IT was all systems go at Southampton Docks today as Operation Solfire swung into action.

Bosses staged a mock collision between an Army landing craft and a cruise liner berthed in the docks to test the port's emergency plan.

As part of the exercise, the Army landing craft from Marchwood Military Port, will collide with the Saga Rose cruise liner berthed at Dock Gate 4, Queen Elizabeth II terminal. Once this happens, all relevant emergency services will spring into action including police, ambulance service and 40 members from the fire service.

Deputy harbour master Paul Fuller said: "The nature of the exercise will possibly involve some damage to the ship.

"The exercise should take around three or four hours, hopefully finishing at 1pm."

The exercise is carried out each year in October, with dock owners Associated British Ports, Queen's Harbour Master Portsmouth and the Maritime Coastguard Agency taking part.

The authorities takes turns to lead the exercise.

Today it is ABP's turn to take charge of emergency plan Solfire.

The Solfire emergency contingency plan has been in existence for more than 30 years. Solfire refers to the command area within the Dockyard Port of Portsmouth, Port of Southampton Provision and the wider Solent Coastguard.

When Solfire is activated its main priorities are to save lives, minimise risk to the environment and ensure safety of navigation.

A spokesman for ABP said that the exercise would not affect the public in any way.