Volunteers go head-to-head with Irish counterparts

Civil defence volunteers from the Isle of Man are pitting their skills against a team from Ireland, in an all day outdoor challenge today.

Twenty-nine members of Limerick's Civil Defence force are in the Island this weekend, to take part in a series of exercises and share best practice with their counterparts here.

Two teams from each country will compete in emergency-style exercises in the Manx countryside, to hone their practical techniques and planning skills.

Emergency Planning Officer Martin Blackburn says it's really helpful for Isle of Man volunteers to see how the job is done elsewhere: