CIVIL defence officials are looking forward to seeing hundreds of wounded and homeless people walking the streets of Radcliffe next month – for a disaster simulation exercise.

Legions of volunteers will be asked to act as if a nuclear bomb had struck Rochdale, leaving Radcliffe suffering from heavy but not catastrophic damage.

Around 300 Civil Defence personnel from around the borough are set to take part, with volunteers wanted to play the part of casualties.

Cllr Jack Schofield, the group’s chairman, said: “Civil Defence exercises such as this are not only essential in a time of war, but will also come into operation if any disaster strikes the area.”