An explosion at a Hillingdon petrol station saw emergency planning officers and Uxbridge students working together on handling the crisis.

However the event caused no real panic - it was only a fictitious scenario designed so the Public Services students could learn more about dealing with real emergencies.

'Exercise Toasted Mallow' was lead by Stuart Roderick, of Hillingdon Council's Civil Protection team, and officers from Hillingdon Fire Brigade also took part.

During the session the students - whose courses prepare them to join the British Forces, emergency services and other public organisations - played the part of tactical commanders in the table top scenario.

They had to decide how to handle the effects of the explosion at a petrol station in Long Lane, such as arranging a cordon and redirecting traffic, and issue a press release.

Alison White, Course Team Leader for Public Services, said: "Uxbridge College and Hillingdon Council work together every year on this exercise and it is a brilliant opportunity for students because they get to work with real officers. It was a great learning experience - but let's hope it never happens for real!"