SEARCH and rescue volunteers took part in an exercise to put their life-saving skills to the test.

Sussex Police organised a training event at the Kingstanding training facility, near Crowborough, where volunteers scrambled to rescue four people ‘lost’ in the forest.

Volunteers from Sussex Search and Rescue, Surrey Search and Rescue, ALSAR Search Dogs Sussex, Sussex 4x4 Response and three Sussex Neighbourhood Watch teams all joined the search.

They were assisted from the air by three fixed-wing aircraft and a helicopter from the voluntary Air Search organisation, along with operators of the Sussex Police drone, based at Gatwick.

Sergeant Russ Phillips, who organised the exercise, said: “Conditions weren’t as bad as they are experiencing further north but the chilly weather was a valuable reminder of just how wild and hostile some of the more remote areas of Sussex can be.

“Our scenario involved four high-risk missing people and provided opportunities not only for searching techniques but also for first aid, recovery and medevac.

“While the exercise did unfortunately necessitate the recovery of a ‘body’, I am pleased to say all four of our cadets were successfully found.

“They returned safely and were very grateful to be able to have warm drinks and a meal.”