WORCESTER schoolchildren will be preparing for the worst at a disaster day at Christopher Whitehead School.

Police, fire and ambulance services were due to be joined by road safety experts and representatives from the Environment Agency to teach Year 8 children at the St John's school how to act in an emergency today.

The day has been organised by Worcestershire County Council's Emergency Planning Unit and will include workshops in first aid.

Youngsters will be shown how the emergency services respond to situations and how they communicate in a crisis.

They will also putting on protective clothing to take part in a simulated escape from a smoke-filled bus.

"Being prepared is half the battle in any emergency situation and it is important to know the basics from an early age," said John Asquith, Worcestershire County Council's emergency planning manager.

David Thompson, deputy headteacher at school, said: "It's a big operation but the hard work will all be worth it if we help to prevent danger to our pupils in the future."