Fenland District Council is looking for about 30 members of the public to help give its staff extra training in managing an emergency rest centre.

The council is teaming up with the British Red Cross to run an intensive training exercise at the Manor Leisure Centre, in Whittlesey, on March 11 from 9am-1.30pm.

In any emergency the council has a statutory duty to set up a rest centre to provide shelter and support to anyone temporarily forced out of their homes.

The volunteers will play the part of residents who have been evacuated. They will be registered, looked after (including free tea and biscuits) and kept up to date with information about the unfolding situation.

They can stay for the full session or just a couple of hours.

Councillor David Oliver, the council’s cabinet member responsible for community safety, said: “This exercise will help train our staff to follow all the correct procedures and work under pressure. Putting them to the test in this way will help us to see what works well and where any improvements may be needed.

“The volunteers will be able to give us some valuable feedback, as well as getting a useful insight themselves into how a rest centre operates.”

Anyone interested in helping should call the council’s emergency planning team on 01354 622353 or 01354 622441, or e-mail emergencyplanning@fenland.gov.uk