CRASH scenes were mocked up at Loughton Fire Station for a rescue training exercise with Princess Alexandra Hospital's emergency response team.

The aim of the exercise was to help each crew gain a better insight into the work of the other, and to practice co-operating together to improve their response in real-life emergencies.

The Harlow hospital team got together with Loughton firefighters, as well as reflexology students from Harlow College who wanted to gain a greater insight into first aid.

Firefighter Reece Lovell said: 'It was really beneficial to work together. The exercise was good practice for a real emergency and helped us understand the workings of the Harlow hospital team.'

And firefighter Brian Goodwin, who teaches first aid to Harlow College students, added: 'The students found it very interesting to learn about the fire service. We hope to do a return visit to experience some reflexology.'