COASTGUARD volunteers have carried out a realistic rescue exercise to hone their search and rescue and first aid skills.

Seaham Coastguard rescue team members joined up with their Sunderland counterparts to carry out the operation in Hawthorn Dene, east Durham.

Senior coastal operations officer Adam Turner said: “The scenario was around two walkers who had fallen and injured themselves.

“A search plan was put in place and teams dispatched to search for them.

“Once the casualties had been found the teams, comprising about 15 volunteers, came across some challenging injuries, an eye injury, open fracture and a suspected spine injury.

“They injuries were made to look realistic. Volunteers had to stabilise the casualties and carry out first aid.

“The real challenge came with extracting the woman with a back injury from the dene on a stretcher.

£They were down at the bottom and had to effectively carry her out.”

He added: “The operation took two hours to complete and was a big success.”

Anyone who sees anyone at risk or in difficulty is urged to dial 999 and ask for the coastguard.