Security guards in Crawley have become the first in the country to go to people's aid in car parks on a quad bike.

The 300cc Kawasaki is part of a £6,000 project to increase security at the County Mall Shopping Centre.

Security officers use the bike to get around the car parks and help customers in emergencies.

Riders are trained in first aid and heart defibrillation but can also use the machine to help motorists whose car has a flat battery or flat tyre.

The bike is strong enough to tow a trailer and heavy equipment.

County Mall security manager Duncan McKenzie said: "Last year we introduced a mountain bike patrol in the car parks, which was very well received by the public. This is an extension of that."

The County Mall car parks recently received a Safe Parking Award from the Association of Chief Police Officers for the seventh consecutive year.

Mr McKenzie said: "We are very proud of our excellent security and safety record in the car parks at County Mall.

"To achieve this award we had to meet very strict criteria. The judges were very pleased with our general car park operation and high standards.

"They were particularly impressed with the quad bike patrols."