A SHOPPING centre became a scene of devastation following a major gas explosion in a mock disaster.

Fire, police and paramedics turned out in force to Middleton Grange Shopping Centre, in Hartlepool, as students took part in the drama.

The event, with more than 150 pupils from Hartlepool College of Further Education, was organised as part of the college’s skills showcase week, in which students put their studies into practice.

Kevin Fincken, public services course lecturer, who co-ordinated the day alongside the emergency services and shopping centre, said: “The disaster was designed by the public service students who are interested in joining one of the uniformed services.

“The scenario was a gas blast and they had to make risk assessments, ascertain the number of casualties and deal with the situation.

“The students were made up with fake blood and told just beforehand what their injuries were.

“We had 34 dead, major or minor casualties as well as 150 by-standers, many of whom had been told to feign shock or be deliberately obstructive to centre staff trying to clear the area.”

Robbie Williams, 21, a public services student, said: “I am interested in becoming a firefighter and it was a great chance to see how the services worked alongside each other.

“It’s okay to learn about the theory side of the emergency services in the classroom, but to be part of a life-like scenario was an excellent opportunity to really see what goes on.”