Six new Dennis Eagle refuse collection vehicles (RCVs) bought by St Helens Council will have Dennis Eagle chassis ' a first for the local authority.

The vehicles, which will replace older models in the council's 30-strong fleet, are part of a framework agreement to deliver more than 80 RCVs to 12 local authorities over three years.

The Elite 6 6x2 rear steer chassis have Olympus 21 wide bodies, each fitted with Terberg OmniDEKA bin lifts.

Steve Marsh, transport manager for St Helens Council, said: 'This is the first time we have purchased Dennis Eagle chassis. The order was placed following a competitive tender process and we invited several manufacturers to take part in product demonstrations with our drivers and crews as part of this process.

'It was felt that Dennis Eagle was the best match for our requirements in terms of quality and specification, while also offering the best overall value.

'As part of the agreement, Dennis Eagle and Terberg will also be providing body, chassis and bin lift training to eight of our frontline supervisors who can then deliver in-house training to our staff.

'We can then ensure that all team members ' including any new employees or agency workers ' are equipped with the knowledge and skills to operate the vehicles safely and efficiently at all times.

'One of Dennis Eagle's engineers from their Manchester Service Centre has also provided our fitters with an overview of the products and it is likely that we will send our workshop staff on a more extensive course at Dennis Eagle's Warwick head office as the vehicles near the end of their three-year warranty period'

Matt Horwell, regional sales manager at Dennis Eagle, said: 'It's great to be working with the team at St Helens and we look forward to continuing to support the council and associated local authorities through the provision of products, training and aftermarket services over the duration of this framework agreement'