PUBS and clubs in Worcester have been urged to beef up their bouncers' qualifications by sending them on a training scheme.

The city's Licensed Victuallers Association (LVA) is organising the one-day course for next month.

It will teach skills such as restraint procedures for violent situations, how to deal with violence and stop it happening, as well as how to look out for people carrying drugs.

Candidates who complete the course will receive a nationally-recognised certificate, which allows them to apply to the council for registration.

City LVA chairman Mike Stevens said the course was important because stewards could not work without the qualification.

"Door stewards have a very important job to do - sometimes more important than the licensee," he said.

Licensed venues which do not hold an entertainment licence are still welcome to send staff on the course. It is due to take place at the Swan with Two Nicks pub, in New Street, on Saturday, June 16, from 9.30am until 4.30pm.

Any venues interested in sending staff along should book places by calling 01905 28190.