In pictures: Inside major Northampton emergency exercise involving 150 people

The large-scale exercise, known as Exercise Bivouac, was staged at the University of Northampton and organised by West Northamptonshire Council’s Emergency Planning Team.

It saw organisations rehearse how they would work together to establish and operate a reception centre following an emergency evacuation.

A West Northamptonshire Council spokesperson said the exercise tested everything from registering people arriving at the centre and providing welfare support to arranging temporary accommodation and caring for vulnerable residents.

Participants also practised providing food, accommodation advice and transport logistics for people affected by a simulated emergency.

Around 150 people were involved in the exercise, including volunteers, observers, an exercise control team and representatives from a number of organisations.

Among those taking part were the British Red Cross, Rapid Relief Team UK, REACT Disaster Response, Northants 4x4 Response, Northamptonshire Children’s Trust and Northants Emergency Welfare Group.

West Northamptonshire Council’s housing team and reception centre volunteers were also involved.

The council said exercises such as this were designed to make sure organisations were prepared to support residents during a real emergency.

A spokesperson added: “From setting up the reception centre and registering evacuees, to providing food, welfare support, accommodation advice and transport logistics, every organisation played a vital role in making the exercise a success.

“Exercises like this help ensure we're ready to support residents when they need us most.”