Residents in Ilam may notice an increased presence of emergency services at the University of Canterbury on Tuesday, as part of a planned training exercise.

St John, and Fire and Emergency New Zealand will join Christchurch Civil Defence and Emergency Management and university staff for the exercise, which is scheduled to run from 9am to 4pm.

During the training, Police in tactical uniforms carrying training firearms may be seen on campus, and some noise is expected.

Authorities said there is no need for concern, as the exercise is part of ongoing efforts to ensure emergency services are prepared to respond to any situation.

Officials said the training would not be possible without the support of the local community and thanked the University of Canterbury for its cooperation.