Vauxhall, which makes the Astra model in Ellesmere Port, has signed one of the UK's biggest police fleet deals to supply more than 2,000 vehicles for police forces nationwide.

The two-year multimillion-pound contract includes Astras, Corsas, Insignias and Vivaro vans.

The company said this order "cements" its position as the largest provider of low and intermediate performance cars to the UK police.

Chairman and managing director Rory Harvey said: "We are delighted to supply the police with this huge order. Efficiency is a top priority for all police forces and the investment made in these Vauxhalls will mean officers spend more time preventing crime."

Procurement for the sale was led by West Midlands Police, with vehicles set to join 28 police forces. Six fire and rescue services are also included in the agreement.

David Wilkin, West Midlands Police's director of resources and the national policing lead for the procurement of vehicles, added: "A vehicle purchasing collaboration between police forces and partners on this scale has never been seen before and I am delighted to say that it has been a huge success in terms of the savings made and how well the organisations have worked together."