FIREFIGHTERS have carried out a mock rescue from a towering building site crane.

The crane was at the site of a retirement complex, under construction at Penn Hill in Poole.

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service's (DWFRS) Mark Downing said: "In the event that a rescue situation arises involving a crane, it is incredibly important that we can act quickly to secure the safety of workers on site.

“Mock rescue activities such as this are incredibly valuable, providing our crews with an opportunity to practice in a real life setting, yet with the support of being in a safe and controlled environment."

The exercise took place after McCarthy and Stone, the company building the over 60s housing complex, invited DWFRS to carry it out onsite.

It involved the rescue of a worker, who had been taken ill, from the cab of the crane.

Mr Downing said: "We would like to thank McCarthy and Stone for facilitating the session, which proved a real success.”

Meanwhile, properties at the site, called Greenhaven, are expected to be released for sale in March this year, with the first homeowners likely to move in this summer.

Greenhaven senior site manager Jeff Blackman said: "McCarthy and Stone is dedicated to prioritising health and safety on site, as part of our ongoing commitment to delivering five star service and quality across every area of the business.

"Supporting the training of local emergency service teams is of utmost importance when it comes to creating a safe environment for our site workers, and we were pleased to assist with the mock rescue.”

Greenhaven will comprise a mix of one, two and three-bed apartments, with communal gardens.

The apartments will be split between two buildings and joined by a glass walkway.