STUDENTS from Duchy College recently took part in a full scale search and rescue operation on Dartmoor.

The group studying 'rescue and emergency management' took part in Exercise Indigo, which involved the Army, search and rescue crews, police, fire and ambulance crews.

Michael Rose, the college's programme manager for the foundation degree in rescue and emergency management, said: 'This is a great opportunity for the students to be involved in a multi-agency rescue simulation.

'They'll be right at the core of the events on Dartmoor, which will give them the opportunity to experience this kind of scenario first hand, which is exactly what this course is about.

'Our overall aim is to create students with employability skills and being involved with Exercise Indigo enables them to build contacts and relationships with the emergency services.'

The exercise simulated what would happen in the event of an air crash, with students acting as casualties, before being evacuated off the moor via helicopter.

Louise Lowe, a first year studying the course, said: 'I loved being involved in a huge multi-agency exercise — a great opportunity to learn from professionals.'

Adrian Sawyer, a second year student, said: 'It was a great opportunity to take part in a live exercise involving highly trained and specialist search and rescue agencies. It has really helped put my studies into context.'

Head of Duchy College Andrew Counsell said: 'At Duchy College we pride ourselves on providing an excellent range of specialist courses that give our learners the best footing to pursue further study or to get on the career ladder.

'Opportunities like this are vital to create a diverse learning experience for our students and ultimately deliver a real insight into the important work of the services.

'It serves to remind us all of the roles that our students may be required to play when they are working in the service of their choice in the years to come and to tailor their education and training to these requirements.'