COASTGUARD teams from Whitehaven, Maryport, and Burgh-by-Sands have taken part in a search and rescue exercise. 

This took place at the River Derwent in Workington. Cumbria Police were also involved. 

A spokesperson said: "Today's event, organised by colleagues from Maryport Rescue (a declared assets to the emergency services as an Independent Lifeboat and Search team), was designed to test the collaborative working of all agencies involved.

"The search started with the forming of a Forward Control Point (FCP) with Police (PolSA) and Coastguard (CGSA) Search Advisers, along with Officers in Charge for assets from HM Coastguard, Maryport Rescue and West Cumbria Search & Rescue.

"There was two main scenarios that unfolded across two locations throughout the afternoon and into early evening. One on the River Derwent and one coastal/land on Northside, Workington.

"Each scenario had two casualties, with appropriate assets coordinated under the direction of the FCP to Locate, Access, Stabilise and Extricate the casualties ready for onward transportation to the next level of care.

"A fantastic day of multiagency working and one that helped all teams hone in on both their individual specialist skills and wider interoperability as one big team. Our thanks again to Maryport Rescue for organising this exercise."