Rapid Relief Team supports Exercise Mercury involving police, ambulance and fire services at Kendrew Barracks in Rutland

Volunteers provided hundreds of hot meals and drinks at a training exercise for the emergency services.

Exercise Mercury was a large-scale live drill at Kendrew Barracks in Rutland involving the police, ambulance and fire services.

Organised by the Leicestershire and Rutland Local Resilience Forum (LRF), it tested the ability of responders to deal with a major crash on the motorway.

To support the emergency responders participating in the event, the charity Rapid Relief Team (RRT) served 420 burger meals and hot drinks to help to sustain participants throughout the rigorous training.

Peter Gilbert, RRT team leader for the Stamford, Rutland and Grantham area, said: “We know how important these training events are in preparing teams for real emergencies, and we were delighted to serve our signature burger meals to all those involved.

“The Leicestershire and Rutland LRF does incredible work keeping us safe and it was impressive seeing so many frontline workers come together to collaborate in this large-scale exercise.”

With challenging weather conditions and cold winds, many emergency responders returning for second and even third servings.

Andrew Murr, LRF training, exercise and organisational learning officer, said: “The RRT are top of the list for support in every incident, situation and exercise in the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland LRF areas.

“Their dedication and assistance are invaluable, and their reputation extends beyond our area, with other forces also showing great interest in the vital support they provide.”