THE Shadow Home Secretary has thrown his weight behind efforts to save Portland's vital rescue helicopter service.

Oliver Letwin is piling the pressure on the Government's department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions in the wake of speculation that the helicopter will be axed.

The Conservative MP for West Dorset is also preparing to quiz beleaguered Transport Secretary Stephen Byers on the future of the county's island-based rescue craft.

Mr Letwin tabled Parliamentary questions at Westminster on Tuesday, urging Mr Byers to quash rumours that the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) wants to transfer Portland's helicopter to Lee-on-Solent, Hampshire, or scrap it altogether.

Shadow Transport Minister Eric Pickles has already put forward similar questions to Mr Byers - who has yet to provide Parliament with any answers.

The MP demanded to know what plans there are to upgrade helicopter facilities at the former Royal Naval Air Station, now known as Osprey Quay.

He also asked when the MCA's contract expires, and whether it intends to sign a new contract soon.

Mr Letwin said: "I am extremely concerned about the removal of the MCA helicopter from Portland, which is why I have been strongly in support of the efforts made by Eric Pickles to raise this issue.

"I have myself put down parliamentary questions in support of Eric's position - as I believe that this helicopter is needed in its present location, both to serve our coastal tourism industry, and in order to protect those of my constituents who engage in leisure pursuits on the sea.

"I will ask if Portland seriously faces the threat of losing its helicopter, and, if so, why."

The rumours have been fuelled by the MCA's delay in deciding whether or not to renew the Bristows contract for Portland's search and rescue helicopter, which expires in a year's time.

The MCA is engaging in a national budget review of all its helicopter facilities.

A junior transport minister, David Jamieson, has also been urged to visit Weymouth to discuss the delay in building a new helicopter hangar and facilities at Osprey Quay.

The call came from former Tory MP for South Dorset, Ian Bruce.