A FIREARMS unit is staging a mock emergency situation involving teenagers aiming to achieve a Duke of Cornwall Community Safety Award.

Fifty young people aged between 12 and 18-years-old from the Scouts, Girl Guides, Police Cadets and local schools are taking part in the dummy drama on Saturday at Cleveland Police’s Tactical Training Centre at Urlay Nook near Stockton.

Iain Spittal, Temporary Chief Constable and chairman of the local resilience forum, said: “This exercise provides local young people the opportunity to learn what to do in emergency situations such as severe weather, pandemics or power cuts.

“It will inform the youth organisations to effectively engage in the recovery effort, as is often the case in other countries during major community emergencies."

Lifesavers taking part in the exercise will include Cleveland Police, Cleveland Fire Brigade, the British Red Cross, Cleveland Mountain Rescue Team and the local resilience forum.

“By the end of the day the youngsters will have a greater understanding of the mechanics of agencies responding to a major incident and how they can be of assistance," said Mr Spittal.

"They will then be presented with their Duke of Cornwall Awards."

HRH The Prince of Wales established The Duke of Cornwall Community Safety Awards in 2012 after a 2010 visit to Cornwall, which had been hit by severe flooding.