FIREFIGHTERS and lifeguards are carrying out training exercises on Bournemouth pier this week.

Fire crews from Westbourne and Springbourne have been testing out the fire fighting techniques that would be used should a fire break out on the Victorian landmark.

The training exercise began today and will continue on Wednesday morning and on Friday morning.

District commander Steve Underhill said: “Following similar fires in Eastbourne and Weston Super Mare we recognise there are some significant challenges in fighting this type of incident.

“For example, large volumes of water are needed at one end of an isolated structure. It is important to give the crews the chance to experience something similar, should they be unlucky enough to be faced with the real thing.”