LATE night shoppers had a surprise when they returned to their cars last night as around 20 firefighters conducted an exercise in the town centre.

They were using the tall stairwell of the Whalebridge Car Park on Islington Street to simulate accessing a high rise block of flats.

Firefighters from across the town took part in the exercise and five appliances, from stations including Swindon and Stratton were used.

Using a hydrant at the corner of Fleming Way, they ran a series of hoses up all five floors and onto the roof where water was deployed to imitate tackling a fire.

Access to the car park was maintained during the exercise and people were able to leave in their cars as normal.