BOLTON town centre was turned into a scene from a blockbuster feature film as firefighters carried out a special exercise involving a suspect package delivered to the town hall.

But as the area was secured and the “casualties” were treated, film stars were nowhere to be seen and it was up to Bolton Central firefighters to save the day.

Thankfully this was not a real emergency as the crews from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) practiced procedures of how to deal with dangerous chemical incidents.

The exercise began with staff members running out of the Albert Halls entrance as if they had been harmed by an unknown substance, before firefighters took them through the decontamination process.

Watch manager Karsten Boyle, from Green Watch at Bolton Central Fire Station, said: “Months of planning and preparation went into the exercise with Bolton Council’s Emergency Planning team and we contacted local businesses to let them know about our plans to save disruption and panic.

“The incident allowed firefighters from across Bolton to train together on a scenario that also tested GMFRS’ procedures when it comes to chemical incidents.”

Shoppers in Bolton town centre did double takes at the exercise, which involved eye-catching chemical protection suits to make it as realistic as possible.

James Barlow, aged 24, of Oldham Estate in Blackburn Road, said: “It’s a scary thought that they have to train for this kind of thing but I am glad that they are doing it. If they didn’t train for every eventuality then imagine if something like that did happen for real.”

Peter Morgan, aged 68, from Kearsley, said: “They have got to do exercises like this I suppose. We must prepare for the worst what with all the threats of terrorism.”

And Shirley Sargent, aged 77, from Bolton, said: “I thought that the town hall was on fire at first when I saw all the fire engines lined up on the road. It’s good that they are preparing for such an event, but it’s a shame it isn’t the best weather for it.”