FIREFIGHTERS searched for “six people missing in a blaze’’ at Southend’s Rendezvous Casino as part of a rescue exercise.

Crews from Southend, Shoebury, Hawkwell and Maldon took part in the training session at the casino, which is part of the Kursaal.

It was a rare opportunity for crews to exercise at the landmark building at the invitation of the casino’s management team The “missing” people had to be rescued from the first floor. More than 20 firefighters took part, searching the blacked out area of the casino, which is currently under refurbishment Station commander Martyn Hodder said: “This was an excellent opportunity for crews to train in an unfamiliar building using “Guide Lines”, a vital piece of equipment only used when searching large open spaces or buildings with a complicated layout.

“This training would be difficult to deliver without the support of those like the team at the casino.”

Johanna Johnstone, venue director at the Rendezvous Southend said: “We’re always looking for ways to support the local community.

“Offering our large event space to the firefighters was exciting for staff and customers, and we hope to work with them again in the future.’’