AS WAR looms in the Middle East, a Kent-based team is preparing itself in the event of attacks in this country.

The south east's Civil Contingency Reaction Force (CCRF) was launched in Ashford at the weekend. It is one of 14 units nationwide equipped to deal with biological, chemical or nuclear attack as well as other emergencies such as flooding or serious accidents.

The 500-strong squad, drawn largely from the Territorial Army together with other military reserve forces, will be on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It will be based at the Howe Barracks in Canterbury.

The decision to form the force was taken by the Government in response to the risks that the events of September 11 highlighted.

With potential targets such as the Channel Tunnel in the county, the group is getting itself fully prepared.

At Ashford's Rowcroft Barracks at the weekend, troops showed off their skills and demonstrated how their abilities and equipment could be adapted to cope with any situation during the second in a series of study days. Displays showed decontamination work in action, mock rescues and casualty handling.