THE Suzy Lamplugh Trust is to offer Worcester's voluntary sector staff lessons in warding off violent attackers.

The organisation Community First - formerly known as the Community Council for Herefordshire and Worcestershire - has joined the Trust to put on two sessions.

"These came from concerns of workers who are in potentially vulnerable situations, such as going on lone visits to people in their homes," said Community First's voluntary sector support manager, Alison Chambers.

"The Suzy Lamplugh Trust says that for a crime to be committed there have to be three factors: a perpetrator, a victim and an opportunity.

"The training sessions we're offering will be designed to eliminate at least one of those factors."

The courses will run in May and June, the first being at Hereford's Three Counties Hotel and the second at the Fownes Hotel in Worcester.

Nicole Vazquez, of the Suzy Lamplugh Trust, is to coach people on understanding the "issues of violence within the workplace" and then equip them to defuse aggression.

She has worked for the Trust for the past seven years and specialises in helping national companies, councils and health authorities.

The informal workshop approach will include learning about body language and being both assertive and relaxed.

Each session will be for a maximum of 15 people and Malvern-based Community First says only a few places are left.

The training in Hereford is scheduled for Wednesday, May 16, while the session in Worcester is on Wednesday, June 20.

A place cost people between £20 and £30, with concessions being offered to members of Community First.

Anyone wanting detailed information should call Alison Chambers on 01684 573334 or e-mail her at alison@malv2communityhw.org.uk

London-based estate agent Miss Lamplugh disappeared in July 1986 after making an appointment with a client called Mr Kipper.

Police have searched land at Norton, near Worcester, in an effort to find her body, but have drawn a blank.