WHATEVER you like to call them - bouncers, security staff or door supervisors - you can rest assured you'll be in capable hands at licensed premises across Lancaster and Morecambe.

A new door security training scheme has been set up following a partnership between the police, the city council and Lancaster and Morecambe College.

During the course, new door staff will learn basic first aid and life-saving techniques, fire safety skills, drugs awareness, social skills and conflict resolution.

Open to both men and women, candidates will also have a pass an exam at the end of the course.

Commenting on the new scheme, licensing chairman, Cllr Tony Wade, said: "Safety of the public is of paramount importance. This new training will allow door security staff to learn vitally important skills which could save lives. The skills that they learn on the new course will help them to deal with these situations. I hope we can extend the benefits of this registration and training scheme to cover all licensed premises in the area."

Chief Inspector Graham Gardner added: "The modern day door person is expected to deal with many difficult and complicated situations. The skills that they learn on the new course will help them to deal with these situations. I hope we can extend the benefits of this registration and training scheme to cover all licensed premises in the area."

Jean Jacobs from Lancaster and Morecambe College said: "The course follows a packed and varied programme and equips people with the skills required to be a registered door security person. It is a great example of what can be achieved through joint working."

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