FIREFIGHTERS honed their lifesaving skills during a dramatic training exercise simulating real life scenarios.

The collaboration between both Essex and Suffolk’s respective fire services saw a multi-vehicle collision incident acted out with the help of volunteers acting as casualties.

Fire crews were presented with a plethora of challenges throughout the occasion hosted on the outskirts of rural Colchester at Assington Autos.

Suffolk fire service stated the event helped to provide its crews with the opportunity to demonstrate their operational skills in a “realistic and challenging” environment.

Gazette: Scene - a five car incident was set upScene - a five car incident was set up

The drill is believed to have been one of the larger controlled training exercises held within this area of the county in recent years, with Colchester, Hadleigh, Nayland and Sudbury fire stations all taking part.

Fire bosses hoped it would also help to generate an interest in firefighting amid a recruitment drive in wholetime and on call heroes.

Nayland fire station watch manager James Vernon, who designed the training incident, said: “We set about planning a story board consisting of a multi vehicle road traffic collision.

Gazette: Drill - crews honed their skillsDrill - crews honed their skills

“With the help of Fred at Assington Autos, we set the scene for a five-car incident with local volunteers acting as live casualties.

“This scenario included placing some cars upside down and in different positions, representing some of the scenes we face on our roads and providing a sense of realism.”

“We planned for the casualties to have different scripted injuries, to present our teams with a whole host of challenges to flex their knowledge as well as test the incident commander’s ability to take charge at such a complex incident.”

Gazette: Fire engine - a vehicle at the exerciseFire engine - a vehicle at the exercise

Owner of Assington Autos, Fred Cook added: “I have always had the greatest respect for our fire and rescue service.

“I was very keen to provide my premises, staff and vehicles without any cost whatsoever to these heroes.

“I've told James Vernon he is welcome anytime to organise further drills at Assington Autos.

“These drills in my opinion, help to make the public safer thanks to the professionalism and dedication of our excellent fire service.”