HAMPSHIRE'S police marine unit has seen its future secured - but is set to lose half its existing fleet of boats.

Months of uncertainty surrounding the unit's survival have ended following a year-long review ordered by the county's Police and Crime Commissioner Michael Lane.

Hampshire Constabulary looked at the unit’s operational effectiveness and value for money.

Current staffing levels will be maintained but the unit's two large vessels - a 12-metre catamaran and an 11-metre patrol launch - will be sold.

Two rigid inflatable boats, said to be capable of carrying out all the duties performed by the bigger craft, will be retained and is due to be joined by a third.

Rumours the marine service could hit by budget cuts or even axed altogether surfaced in January last year.

Police initially said a proposal to disband the unit would be debated at a meeting of the Hampshire Police and Crime Panel but the force apologised almost immediately, saying this was not the case.

The unit's duties include combating crime in marinas as well as targeting drug smugglers and people traffickers.

The outcome of the review, which examined ways of funding the unit, was announced yesterday.

Assistant Chief Constable Scott Chilton said: “The marine unit will continue to support neighbourhood policing on the water and carry out intelligence-led patrols to tackle serious and organised crime.

“We will place a greater focus on our partnership with Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service, Ministry of Defence police and other emergency services.

“As well as enhancing our marine unit, we will be saving money that can be spent on other operational priorities.

“This will be achieved by the sale of two large vessels that no longer meet our operational needs as they're more suited to spending extended time at sea.

“We will instead buy a new craft with improved inland capabilities - better able to carry out searches of rivers, lakes and mud to help us locate missing people and evidence from crimes.”

Mr Lane added: "Despite the challenges with police funding and resourcing, I have insisted on the marine unit being protected.

"I am pleased that Hampshire Constabulary’s review has identified a solution."

The announcement was welcomed by the Hamble-based Royal Yachting Association (RYA) and other organisations.

RYA safety advisor Andrew Norton said: "We welcome the announcement that the marine unit will continue to provide crucial support to our marine communities."