VOLUNTEERS were covered in talcum powder and hosed down with cold water as part of a joint decontamination exercise between fire, police and ambulance services.

The special operation on land at Parley Court Farm, Hurn, was carried out to test procedures and equipment in the event of a mass contamination by chemicals.

Around 26 volunteers took part in the five-hour-long exercise which was hailed "a success" by the emergency services.

The volunteers were asked to don overalls and were doused in talcum powder before being taken through the de-contamination units set up in a field.

Both of Dorset Fire and Rescue Service's de-contamination units can process around 200 people each per hour.

First published: October 27