HEALTH chiefs have appealed to people not to panic as the county goes on red alert over the threat of germ warfare.

Dr John Ashton, regional director of public health for the North West, urged people not to play into the hands of terrorists by panicking.

His advice follows reports that hospitals have been ordered to be prepare for a "mass casualty incident".

But Dr Ashton denied it, saying: "Hospitals are not on alert and we are not expecting a terrorist attack.

"We are reviewing all of our emergency plans as the public would expect. Part of this includes looking at procedures for chemical and biological attacks. These have been in place for five or six years now.

"Our plans are very robust and are rehearsed with the emergency services. It's all about thinking the unthinkable and being prepared."

Local people so far appear to be heeding Dr Ashton's advice, despite top-level warnings -- including an alert from the World Health Organisation -- that terrorists could be set to target the country with germ warfare.

Reports in the national press that stores are selling out of gas masks appear unfounded as far as Chorley is concerned.

A sales assistant at Singers Outdoors, Market Street, Chorley, said no one had been in to inquire about buying a gas mask, which they do not sell anyway. And Carolyn Peters, 36, supervisor of The Famous Army Stores, Chapel Street, said they had had only one customer. She said: "We had a little old lady in today for a gas mask. She just came in and asked for a gas mask. I said we don't sell them, love. She must have been about seventy-odd.

"She seemed worried and just went out. 'What a shame,' I thought.

"She had a shopping trolley with her. I felt ever so sorry for her. If I could, I would have told her where to get them from."

People are also said to be storing tinned goods in case of a long, drawn out conflict.

But local superstore Morrison's said they had not detected any panic buying as yet. A spokesman said: "We have not seen anything like that at all, but we will be able to cope should that happen."

Chorley Borough Council, together with other district councils in the county, already has an emergency strategy in place.

Council leader Jack Wilson said: "The borough council and county council are part of the Emergency Planning Team for the whole of Lancashire County Council. The last time they met was at the time of the fuel crisis."