OLYMPIC security leaders in Dorset were put through their paces in a major exercise to tackle scenarios that could affect this summer’s big event.

Around 175 people from organisations across the county, including the emergency services, Environment Agency, Ministry of Defence and local councils, took part in the biggest exercise yet to test plans for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

They were among 4,000 people across the country involved in the third and final ‘command post exercise’.

The three-day challenge simulated a number of scenarios that could happen during the Games, from competitor injuries to traffic jams, visiting VIPs and fires, to test how different agencies would work together to deal with them.

It was part of a wider testing programme being run by Olympic organisers (LOCOG) to test the effectiveness, resilience and decision-making capabilities of key Games-time command and control structures and processes.

The Dorset Echo also played a part in Dorset’s exercise, assisting the borough council’s press office in testing its communication with the media.

Last week’s test replicated the eighth, ninth and 10th days of the Olympics – August 4 to 6.

Twenty-six sports will be taking place across 14 venues during this time. These include sailing events on Weymouth and Portland waters.

Chief superintendent David Griffith, head of the Dorset Police Olympic and Paralympic security team, said the organisations involved also included Dorset Fire and Rescue Service, the councils of Dorset, Weymouth and Portland, West Dorset, Purbeck and Poole.

He added: “This was an important opportunity for us to check that we are prepared for the Games.

“We tested a number of different scenarios and working across a number of locations to ensure we are ready.

“Everything we did in this exercise will stand us in good stead for the Olympics and indeed any other events or incidents we need to deal with in partnership.

“All agencies involved are staffing the exercise from existing resources and there has also been a grant from the Olympic Security Executive to Dorset Police to fund the exercise.”