Police, fire and ambulance services have come together to ensure that the district is prepared for major disasters.

In order to practice dealing with the most unimaginable emergencies North Weald Airfield was transformed into an accident zone yesterday.

During the emergency planning event lorries were tipped on top of cars, fierce fires broke out and people were trapped inside vehicles.

Essex County Fire and Rescue, East of England Ambulance Service, Essex and Herts air-ambulance, St John Ambulance and Highways Agency contractors were involved.

Medical students from Romford and London played casualties.

The scenario which unfolded was based around a light plane crash on a motorway causing a pile up involving numerous cars, two lorries, a coach and a motorbike.