AMBULANCE managers in Oxfordshire have reassured patients a financial review due to rising fuel costs will not affect its service.

South Central Ambulance, which covers Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Hampshire, is reviewing its spending on staffing and equipment due to fast-rising fuel bills.

Thames Valley Police said fuel prices were "causing concern" and the force was monitoring the situation.

The NHS trust paid £87 to fill an ambulance a year ago, but the cost is now £117.

Mark Ainsworth, head of operations, said it was not yet clear what the service would have to reduce to raise extra money for petrol.

He said: "We are asking for increased funding to cover the fuel costs from our commissioners. But we are looking at what other money we can save elsewhere from other budgets to move across to cover the fuel.

"I can't specifically say where that is coming from but we are certainly looking at it."

Mr Ainsworth added that the crisis had not yet had "a major impact on service delivery".

David Paull, a spokesman for Thames Valley Police, said: "The police service is funded annually and, given the reliance on mobility for delivery of police services, the rapid increase in fuel prices is causing concern.

"We are closely monitoring the situation."

Oxfordshire's chief fire office John Parry said rising fuel costs had not caused the service operational problems.