Nuclear safety test for islands

The nuclear plant is less than 30 miles (48km) from the Channel Islands

Tests to ensure the Channel Islands have adequate safety plans in the event of a nuclear accident in France have been carried out successfully.

French authorities held an exercise at the nuclear waste treatment plant at Cap de la Hague on the Normandy coast.

It included checking Jersey and Guernsey's dedicated telephone and internet links to French authorities.

Jersey's Emergency Planning Officer, Michael Long, said regular updates were received throughout the exercise.

Mr Long told BBC News it was part of wider efforts to develop closer working relationships between the emergency planning authorities and France.

It is hoped the islands will take part in joint strategic exercises with France sometime next year.

France's nuclear reprocessing plant at Flamanville is less than 30 miles (48km) from the Channel Islands.