An exercise to test the Island's preparedness for a terrorist attack will take place next month.

Project Argus is being organised by the Emergency Planning Office at the Department of Home Affairs, and hoteliers and shop owners are being invited to the join emergency services at the Villa Marina.

The three hour table top exercise will take businesses through a simulated terrorist attack, although it's being pointed out the lessons to be learned could be applied in other emergency situations, such as a fire or a gas leak.

Home Affairs Minister Adrian Earnshaw is encouraging the private sector to consider how they would recover from an emergency event and what business continuity plans they have in place.

Places on the course can be reserved before April 20 by contacting Emergency Planning Officer Ian Young at ian.young@gov.im

There are 100 place available on the course which will be held on May 12.