ANYONE who likes to go out for a drink and a dance in the lively clubs and bars of Worcester will today find themselves in agreement with Mike Stevens, chairman of the local Licensed Victuallers Association.

Door stewards - better known to the man in the street as bouncers - have a vital job to do, he says.

At times, their role is more important than the licensee because they are on the front line when it comes to preventing trouble among pub and club-goers in the city centre.

Not only are properly trained doormen able to deal with problems when they break out, they should also be able to spot and diffuse difficult situations before they escalate.

As we all know, prevention is preferable to cure.

That's why a one-day course being organised by the local LVA next month is so important.

The day aims to develop skills such how to deal with violence and stop it happening, restraint procedures which can be used if violence does break out, how to look out for people carrying drugs and how to spot the warning signs.

Doormen who complete the course will receive a nationally recognised qualification, which would allow them to apply to be registered with the local authority - a principle well worth supporting.

Worcester City Council's registration scheme, introduced in 1997, has been hailed as a success over the years, helping to ensure that thuggish bouncers - who may have valued a swinging fist over diplomatic skills - are being confined to the pages of history.

Nowadays, no one wants a loose cannon manning the door at a venue where the vast majority of people simply want to let their hair down and have an untroubled time.

For that reason, pub and club owners should take up the LVA's invitation and make sure they send their door staff on the latest course.