A huge fire at a school which broke out at the same time as a tower block blaze was the focus of a training exercise for firefighters today.

More than 70 crew members from Kent Fire and Rescue Service joined in the operation which was designed to test how they'd cope if two major incidents broke out simultaneously.

It involved a simulated fire at the now derelict Foxwood School in Hythe in addition to a table-top exercise to test how crews would tackle a fire in a high-rise building.

KFRS area manager Chris Else said: “Although it is extremely unlikely that multiple incidents of the nature we have been dealing with today will occur, and despite the fact that we are working hard to prevent these incidents happening, it’s important to highlight that recent events at home and abroad can and do happen.

"Being well prepared to respond to emergencies when they do occur is at the heart of what we do.

"Today’s valuable and realistic training enabled everyone involved to test and validate KFRS’ emergency plans, and to know with confidence that the service can deliver the best possible outcome for those involved in any emergency situation KFRS is called to.

"We all have a part to play in delivering an emergency response to save lives and help our communities."

The simulated fire at the former school in Seabrook Road replicated the conditions that blue light emergency crews might face during an incident in a complex building environment.

Staff and vehicles worked with partner agencies like South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb) to test arrangements already in place.

Crews using specialist equipment including a height vehicle and breathing apparatus to fight the flames and to carry out evacuation and search and rescue within a complex building scenario.

The two different scenarios provided as opportunity for KFRS and its partners to review and improve plans.

Mr Else added: "As firefighting equipment evolves and improves, we must test and enhance our firefighting techniques so we can respond effectively to meet the needs of the county.

"We must ensure that our teams’ knowledge and experience meets a high standard and the enhanced capability.

"As part of our learning everyone involved also gets the chance to contribute in our review, to improve our plans so we can ensure all lessons learnt help advance our responses and procedures in the future."

KFRS' emergency response capabilities were maintained at normal levels throughout the day in addition to the annual training.