Hundreds of ambulance staff will be trained as front-line paramedics under a £5m training drive.

The investment will be used to enhance the skills of 200 ambulance technicians, who will spend a year studying for a higher education diploma in paramedic practice at the service’s academy at Glasgow Caledonian University.

A five-week hospital placement will form part of the training.

Chief executive Pauline Howie said: "The continued investment in more front-line resources is fundamental to delivering our Towards 2020 strategy, which aims to provide the most appropriate care to every patient, whether at home or in the hospital.

"This year's recruitment plan is the first phase of a five-year programme that will enhance the clinical skills mix of our staff and introduce new ways of working to best meet the needs of patients in all of our communities."

Health secretary Shona Robison said: "Our ambulance workers provide a first-class service, often under challenging circumstances, and we value their dedication extremely highly.

"This recruitment drive will enhance the service on offer and ensure that staff are equipped with the appropriate skills, training and clinical support to be able to deliver even more care in the community.

"Through the 2016/17 budget we are investing an additional £11.4m in the Scottish Ambulance Service, which will assist with the recruitment and training of more staff over the next five years.

"This will allow the ambulance service to be better-prepared to meet future needs and demands."