THE founder of Malvern's Pubwatch scheme has warned louts to be on their best behaviour throughout the festive period.

"We have not brought any exclusion orders yet," said PC Dilip Sarkar, beat manager for Malvern Link, who set the project up in November. "But the scheme is in place, with every licensee in Malvern signed up to it. It's a coiled spring waiting to strike!"

Under the scheme, anyone is caught making trouble in one of Malvern's licensed premises will be ejected and a court order issued to prevent them from drinking anywhere in the town.

PC Sarkar originally introduced the scheme in Upton-upon-Severn when he was the town's beat manager and it dramatically reduced the incidence of bar-room violence.

Anyone banned from Malvern hostelries will also be barred from drinking in pubs in Upton.