Hundreds of Hampshire volunteers sign up for the Red Cross

They will be able to do practical tasks such as filling sandbags, cleaning up after a flood and packing food parcels for evacuees during an incident.

Red Cross project co-ordinator for Hampshire Louise Garrard said: ‘During big emergencies, the Red Cross supports councils, the emergency service and other voluntary organisations to help people affected.

‘During these times we often receive lots of offers of help from members of the public but taking advantage of that goodwill while an emergency is unfolding can be a challenge.’

It is likely they will be called upon around twice a year.