MELTED snow caused a power cut at Hampshire Fire and Rescue headquarters yesterday.

Alarm systems were sounded as the water leak from the roof of the fire control room resulted in an electrical power failure at around 7.30am.

But thanks to the quick action of staff, the service's business continuity response plan was launched and all emergency calls were sent to the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Control staff then relocated to the emergency control centre at a Hampshire County Council building in Winchester to carry on their duties and were operating as normal within the hour without any disruption to the service's emergency response capability.

Staff will return the control room back to headquarters as soon as it is possible.

At this time we do not know how long this will be but all emergency calls will continue to be handled effectively and professionally.