A COURSE on how to deal with difficult and abusive customers was held in Darwen yesterday.

The staff safety course, believed to be the first of its kind in the county, attracted around 40 people.

PC Richard Green, of the Community Safety Office at Blackburn, said: "There is a growing need for all shop staff to be aware of the potential of being confronted with awkward and difficult customers."

The training sessions, held at Darwen Community Centre, were aimed at staff from all of Darwen's retail outlets who come into contact with the public.

It was presented by PC Green and Sgt Neil Wilkinson, from Darwen police station.

The course included practical demonstrations on how to deal with abusive thieves and also legal advice on where shopworkers stood if they wanted to arrest people.

There were also self-defence tips for people's personal safety.

PC Green said it had been a great success and there were plans to hold other courses after Christmas.

Manager of Darwen's Help the Aged Shop Pat Leaver was among those on the course.

She said: "It was brilliant, really helpful and informative, and so much needed in Darwen - which is sad.

"I think there are problems in Darwen in general and I can't deny we've never had problems.

"Managers from Help the Aged shops in Blackpool, Preston and Horwich also attended and all found it really useful."

A spokesman for Blackburn police said: "The aim of the training was to improve safety and avoid conflict where possible.

"Although we have offered crime-prevention advice and tips to shop staff in the past, it has always in the past been on an individual basis, if and when people have asked for it."