Emergency services conduct training exercise in Bishop Auckland

Residents expressed concern after multiple emergency service vehicles arrived at the Castle Bar Hotel in Bishop Auckland.

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One eyewitness told the Echo they saw seven fire engines and ambulance vehicles at the scene with the front of the hotel cordoned off.

A large number of emergency response vehicles were seen outside the Castle Bar Hotel. (Image: PUBLIC)

Firefighters with hoses and ambulance staff with medical equipment were involved.

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But locals were reassured that the large emergency service presence was not due to an incident at the hotel.

Emergency workers were instead taking part in a planned training exercise which ran throughout the morning.

In a statement earlier on Sunday (March 5) the County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service said: “This morning our crews will be hosting a planned training exercise at Castle Bar Hotel in Bishop Auckland.

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“There will be multiple emergency services on scene, please do not be alarmed, this is all part of the exercise.

"It is due to conclude at 12 noon. Thanks for your co-operation.”

The exercise concluded around midday.