BLACK Rod shoudn't be in danger of falling over his official stave at the official opening of Parliament any more, because a Worcestershire company is now in charge of health and safety training at Westminster.

First Response Training and Consultancy Services Limited of Pershore has been chosen to supply a prestigious three-year contract to deliver bespoke health and safety training to the staff of both Houses of Parliament.

The content of the courses has been specifically designed to include risk assessment training, manual handling, accident investigation and many other health and safety subjects relevant to the working environment within the Houses of Parliament.

Managing director Darren Eden said: "We are thrilled to have been selected to provide training services to both the House of Commons and the House of Lords. The three-year contract, with an extension opportunity for two further 12 month periods, will provide us with an opportunity to train staff working within the Parliamentary Estate."

Since it was established in 1997 First Response Training has enjoyed a remarkable growth year-on-year. First Response continues to add high-profile clients to its portfolio of more than 3,000 clients, including Greater Manchester Police, the National Blood Service, BMW and numerous local authority contracts.

Mr Eden said: "The contract to provide training services to the Palace of Westminster was one of the most prestigious contracts to be awarded within our market sector for some time and we are very pleased to have been selected ahead of many competitors in our field."

First Response Training is one of the largest private training companies in the country offering more than 50 different types of courses.