IT'S the vehicle that's set to spearhead the search for vulnerable missing people across Hampshire.

Charity Hampshire Search and Rescue (HANTSAR) has formally unveiled the converted vehicle they hope will allow them to become more effective during searches.

Originally a police mobile camera van, the Vauxhall Movano 3500 was bought at auction and converted into an incident control vehicle which was kitted out thanks to donations from local firms.

It has a 10.5m high radio mast for communicating with search teams out on the ground, wireless internet and two LED screens allowing the team to receive vital information more quickly and use technology such as Google Earth or weather data to help the search.

HANTSAR chairman Tony Privett said: "Our new command and control will help us provide a better service to help find vulnerable missing people in Hampshire. Equipment will now arrive at a search fully charged and having two vans with command and control capability allows us to take a vehicle off the road for maintenance without compromising our service to the police.”

The charity is now set to replace its ageing Land Rover which has been used as an ambulance for evacuating casualties, and it is also looking for a new headquarters near Winchester or Eastleigh.