A major disaster is expected to hit Sutton next week, with police, firefighters and the Red Cross planning to set up an emergency control centre and decontamination unit.

But fear not - the looming catastrophe will only be an exercise as emergency services test the borough's readiness in the face of a major incident.

More than 50 residents have volunteered to take part in the mock disaster.

Seven organisations, including the Metropolitan Police, London Fire Brigade, British Red Cross and Sutton Council will take part in the training exercise, which will be the biggest of its kind held in south London.

An emergency control centre will be set up at Sutton police station and a decontamination scenario will be run at the Sutton Life Centre.

Volunteers will play characters assigned to them and provide personal details and information while wearing decontamination suits, which organisers say will lend realism to the scenario.

The exercise will take place on Wednesday, November 18 from 9.30am to 4pm.

Glenn Phillips, from the Safer Sutton Partnership, said: "The exercise is being undertaken to improve the preparedness of participating agencies and will help ensure the best possible support can be provided to residents and communities during such emergencies."

There are still a number of places left for residents who want to volunteer as uninjured survivors.