FIREFIGHTERS descended on a block of flats to rescue a woman from a smoke-filled high-rise flat.

But rather than a real-life emergency this was a dramatic rescue exercise organised by Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Crews staged the exercise at Hudson House, a Southampton Solent University block of flats in Royal Crescent Road.

Crews from Hightown, St Mary's and Redbridge were involved in the exercise.

Daily Echo reader Ash Gray submitted these pictures of the exercise.

A spokesman for Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service held a training exercise at Lucia Foster Welch at Solent University yesterday between 11am and 1pm.

"Crews from St Marys, Redbridge and Hightown were involved the simulated 6th floor scenario fire which involved cosmetic smoke.

"Solent University agreed to let HFRS carry out this exercise as the block was empty due to the holiday.

"Teachers and students agreed to play casualties and were ‘rescued’."