by Graham Tutthillgtutthill@thekmgroup.co.uk

Emergency services are being put to the test in a major exercise at the Port of Dover today.

It is designed to check readiness for a large-scale incident.

Exercise Dover Shield is one of a number of countrywide exercises required by the government to examine multi-agency planning and preparation at key sites.

Staff, equipment and specialist vehicles from Kent Police, South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust and Kent Fire and Rescue Service are among those taking part on a site near the Eastern Docks roundabout.

Other agencies playing a key role in the event, which is organised by the Kent Resilience Forum, include the Port of Dover and Port of Dover Police, UK Border Agency, Kent County Council, Dover District Council, East and West Kent Health, the Health Protection Agency, the military, ferry operator DFDS, and the Environment Agency.

Throughout the exercise, the port will remain open for business and will be operating as normal.