Oxfordshire's police are to get a new state-of-the-art helicopter to help in the fight against crime.

The Home Office has given approval for the Chiltern Air Support Unit, a consortium between Thames Valley, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire police forces, to replace their Luton-based helicopter with a new one costing £1.3m.

The consortium's other helicopter, which is based at RAF Benson, was replaced two years ago at a cost of £2.1m. Both machines cover the Thames Valley area.

The new Luton helicopter is expected to be the same model as the one in use at Benson - a twin-engined EC 135.

The £2.1m cost to the consortium for this was reduced by a 40 per cent Home Office contribution and proceeds from the sale of the existing helicopter.

The announcement is part of a £4m increase in money spent on "helicops" announced by Home Office minister Charles Clarke on Wednesday, which also includes a new helicopter for the West of England and a new aeroplane for the Greater Manchester Police.

Mr Clarke said: "The Government is committed to ensuring that the police service is equipped with the latest technology in its fight against crime.

"This further £4m supports a national strategy for police air support and will help improve efficiency.

"Many police hours can be saved through the efficient use of air support and forces have encouraging reports of how their 'eye in the sky' helps to detect and prevent crime, maintain civil order and assist in searches for missing persons.

"These new aircraft will continue to benefit the police and the communities they serve."