AMBULANCES raced to the heart of Delamere Forest on Tuesday to reports of a missing plane, a scout mini bus crash and a critically injured motorcyclist.

Residents had seen a light aircraft plunge into the forest's Black Lake, clipping the mini bus - which in turn veered into the motorcyclist.

But don't panic it was just an exercise - this time. The scenario was a training exercise to test the medical skills of volunteer rescue services including Cheshire Lowland Search and Rescue team and St John Ambulance.

Approaching the incident as they would a real disaster, search and rescue workers formed teams to cover each incident, assessed the medical needs of casualties and called in assistance - provided in this instance by Cheshire St John Ambulance.

Dotted around the two crash sites were nineteen casualties - many bloodied with red food colouring and sporting 'burns' of tissue paper and Vaseline. Each casualty had a name, age, a history and a number of injuries to be treated.

Actual medical treatment was given to Sim-man -acomputer-controlled training tool which can mimic the symptoms of any illness or injury.

Other casualties included dislocated shoulders, broken ankles, serious burns and neck injuries.

Speaking after the exercise, Cheshire Search and Rescue team member Ray Milne said: ' It was designed to push the teams to the limits, and they have had a chance to work with each other.'

* Cheshire Lowland Search and Rescue Team are looking for volunteers in Cheshire aged over 18, who can walk five miles in two hours. Call 01925 723806 for more details.