AN army supply store in Warrington is preparing itself for a nation wide scramble for gas masks following claims that terrorists may resort to chemical warfare.

The Famous Army Stores shop on Bridge Street, Warrington, has received inquiries about getting hold of gas masks, and supplies are on their way from head office.

A spokesman for the company said genuine ex-Russian army masks had been put on order and were due to arrive next week - but that there would only be enough for six masks per town.

He said: "We have had inquiries all over the country and I think it will just be panic but there is only a small quantity available. We have ordered 1,200 between 200 stores, which works out at just six masks per town."

Meanwhile, Town Hall bosses were calling for calm.

A spokesman said: "The latest information the council has received indicates that there is no reason for alarm. We are in contact with central Government and, if this situation changes, information and advice will be passed onto the public immediately."

And further confidence against panic could be found from what health bosses had to say.

A spokesman for North Cheshire Hospitals NHS Trust said: "We do have in place a major incident policy, which includes any chemical incident.

"It is a sophisticated and complex document which covers all eventualities."