FIREFIGHTERS have already been called to a rescue at the new South Gloucestershire Council offices in Yate.

Crews from Yate Fire Station had to contend with a 35-feet high crane as they rescued a casualty from the building site.

But there was no real emergency as the firefighters were on a simulated training exercise.

Urban search and rescue team leader John Davies said: "The exercise was designed to test the line access capabilities of our firefighters to ensure we are fully prepared to respond in the event of a real emergency.

"Avon Fire and Rescue Service carries out exercises of this nature on a regular basis and this ‘incident’ has been very useful to our crews for testing their line access techniques and trauma care."

The training event also allowed rescue workers to familiarise themselves with the new office site, on Stover Road.

The £12million site, which will see council departments centralised in Yate, is being built by developer Kier Weston as an eco-friendly landmark building. It is due to open in 2010 and is on target to save council tax payers an average of £1.3million per year over the life of the building.