Keswick volunteers are set to practise a flood emergency response to hone their skills should another disaster strike.

More than 80 volunteers are expected to take part in the event, which will see a number of different organisations come together and test their skills.

During this time the Environment Agency is taking the opportunity to test the flood gates in the town.

The event will take place on October 5 and volunteers will set up a control centre at the town hall, with Allerdale Council setting up a

reception centre at St Herbert’s School.

Throughout the day homeowners are advised to take part and test their flood defences at the same time.

After the devastating impact of the floods of 2015, the Community Emergency Plan has been reviewed and refined to enable the town to be as ready as possible for another incident.

With more than 80 volunteers on hand to provide assistance, the exercise is now part of the annual training programme for volunteers.

Working in partnership with the emergency services, volunteers can help warn a greater number of residents.

Heather Askew, project manager for Keswick Community Emergency Recovery Partnership, said: “This exercise is an opportunity for our volunteers to get a feel for what might happen in a flood situation, and we’re really pleased that the statutory agencies are able to join us on the day.

“It’s a real benefit for us to work with them through an emergency scenario.

“As much as we all hope we won’t be affected by flooding again, we also want to be ready if it does hit.

“We are also encouraging households to consider their own preparations for winter, think about having a practice with your floodgates, make sure you are registered for flood alerts, think about where you could go if you have to evacuate.”

Keswick Community Emergency Recovery Partnership is made up of local voluntary organisations and the statutory agencies who come together to learn new skills that could help save a life should the town be hit by Storm Desmond-style weather again.

For more information email Heather at keswickfloodrecovery@gmail.com or call 017687 80826.