A SPECIAL training session, run jointly by Essex Police with Colchester General Hospital, raised more than £2,000 for charity.

Firearms medics teamed up with doctors from the hospital to hold the session demonstrating how police officer medics handle injured people in potentially life-threatening situations.

The aim was to give medical professionals an insight into the way the force's medically-trained officers deal with patients during dangerous situations, such as firearms operations.

Twenty people attended, from backgrounds including the military and emergency medicine.

It was the first time Essex Police had held such a session, and the trainers gave their time for free so that all the money raised went to provide medical equipment for people in Tanzania.

PC Matthew Clark, from Essex Police's Tactical Support Unit, helped organise the training.

He said: "This training session gave the medical professionals the opportunity to see what we can do in relation to tactical medicine.

"It was really successful and we raised over £2,000. If we have sufficient interest we may think about running another in the autumn."

The two-day session included theory sessions as well as role plays.