AN outsourcing firm, which operates a North-East fire training centre, has signed a £1bn deal to continue carrying out Australian immigration work.

Serco said it will provide detention services for the Department of Immigration and Border Protection in a five-year agreement.

Bosses added the deal includes accommodation, transport and escort and incident management cover.

Rupert Soames, Serco group chief executive, said: “Looking after the people in our care is a great responsibility, and our immigration services team does so with dignity, humanity and respect.”

Serco operates the International Fire Training Centre (IFTC) at Durham Tees Valley Airport and has trained firefighters from France, Germany and Poland.

The company previously told The Northern Echo it was committed to the region after investing more than £1m into the business.