These fascinating images show workers at Sizewell nuclear power station in Suffolk in December 1983 preparing for the worst - as they undertook an emergency exercise.

Ipswich Star: In the offices at Sizewell power station, planning gets underway in the emergency exercise Picture: NICK DAVIESIn the offices at Sizewell power station, planning gets underway in the emergency exercise Picture: NICK DAVIES (Image: Nick Davies)

As part of the drill, all equipment such as oxygen tanks and masks were laid out to check that everything was in working order.

Ipswich Star: In the offices at Sizewell power station, planning gets underway in the emergency exercise Picture: NICK DAVIESIn the offices at Sizewell power station, planning gets underway in the emergency exercise Picture: NICK DAVIES (Image: Nick Davies)

A team of trained professionals worked together to rescue a dummy casualty and deal with the emergency.

Ipswich Star: In the offices at Sizewell power station, planning gets underway in the emergency exercise Picture: NICK DAVIESIn the offices at Sizewell power station, planning gets underway in the emergency exercise Picture: NICK DAVIES (Image: Nick Davies)

The casualty was rescued using various ropes by the skilfully trained emergency team.

Ipswich Star: In the offices at Sizewell power station, planning gets underway in the emergency exercise Picture: NICK DAVIESIn the offices at Sizewell power station, planning gets underway in the emergency exercise Picture: NICK DAVIES (Image: Nick Davies)

The group was being assessed to see how well team members performed on their practice run, to see how well prepared they were for future emergencies.

Ipswich Star: In the offices at Sizewell power station, planning gets underway in the emergency exercise Picture: NICK DAVIESIn the offices at Sizewell power station, planning gets underway in the emergency exercise Picture: NICK DAVIES (Image: Nick Davies)

Meanwhile in the offices, planning procedures were underway using old fashioned blackboards and maps.

Ipswich Star: In the offices at Sizewell power station, planning gets underway in the emergency exercise Picture: NICK DAVIESIn the offices at Sizewell power station, planning gets underway in the emergency exercise Picture: NICK DAVIES (Image: Nick Davies)

Plans are currently being made for a third nuclear reactor at Sizewell, which would provide 13% of the UK’s electricity if the proposals go through.

Ipswich Star: In the offices at Sizewell power station, planning gets underway in the emergency exercise Picture: NICK DAVIESIn the offices at Sizewell power station, planning gets underway in the emergency exercise Picture: NICK DAVIES (Image: Nick Davies)