71-year-old prepper stocks shed with 600 tins of food as he prepares for national emergency

A 71-year-old prepper has turned his garden shed into an emergency food warehouse, stockpiling a staggering 600 tins of food in case disaster strikes.

Ian Ferguson, from Weymouth, Dorset, began building his supplies in 2022 after Russia invaded Ukraine – and four years later, he's showing no signs of slowing down. The dad-of-two has packed 13 large boxes with everything from stews, soups and beans to curries, rice pudding and tinned fruit. And while his stash could keep him fed for more than 100 days, Ian insists his preparations are about protecting friends, family and the wider community – not simply looking after himself.

The former British Army serviceman believes society could descend into chaos remarkably quickly if supermarket shelves are stripped bare. He said: "There's a phrase 'nine meals between mankind and anarchy'. That's three days. Imagine you didn't eat for three days."

Ian, who owns a taxi company, estimates six tins a day would be enough to keep him going. But food is just the beginning. His survival kit also includes wind-up radios, camping stoves, sleeping bags, water filtration equipment, an axe, a saw and other essential tools.

He is particularly worried about cyber warfare, warning that attacks on digital systems could bring supermarkets and supply chains grinding to a halt. "Because money won't be any good when the supermarkets run out," he said, adding that keeping physical cash could also prove vital if electronic payment systems fail.

Ian is less concerned about arguments over food expiry dates, claiming people are selective about which warnings they take seriously. He also believes solar panels and shared resources could become invaluable during a crisis.

Despite his preparations, the pensioner is not predicting certain catastrophe. Instead, he hopes people will pull together if the worst happens. "I'm hoping for the best and preparing for the worst. I'm more comfortable with that," he said.

His efforts come as the Government promotes its Be Ready campaign, encouraging households to prepare for potential disruption to everyday services. And if disaster never comes? Ian has a simple answer.

"I'll open up the tins and give it to the birds and get on with my life."