stab-proof vests are to be issued to hospital security guards to protect them from violent patients and visitors.

In what is thought to be the first initiative of its kind in the region, South Tees Hospitals NHS Trust will distribute 40 to 50 vests to security staff at Middlesbrough General, North Riding and James Cook University hospitals.

Last night, neighbouring North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Trust said it was considering introducing the vests.

The move has been prompted by growing concerns for the guards' safety following an increase in violence from mainly non-patients. This year, the trust has so far recorded 56 assaults and 227 verbal threats towards workers at its three hospitals.

Over the past 12 months, there have been ten incidents involving edged weapons, including knives, broken bottles and razors.

Officials say the number of assaults has been rising for 15 years - prompting them to take the drastic measures.

Jon Maloney, health and safety manager for the trust, said: "It's an increase we have noticed and we feel needs to be appropriately controlled.

"It's the potential severity of the incidents that has made us anticipate any further occurrence."

Mr Maloney said the vests would only be issued to guards, as other staff were encouraged to avoid potential violence.

Last year, 300 doctors, nurses and support staff were instructed on breakaway techniques by Cleveland Police, and a further 300 will be trainined this year.

As part of its clampdown on aggression, the trust has taken on about eight extra security guards, and arranged for training on control and restraining.

It plans to reissue the zero tolerance policy on violence it first introduced two years ago, and has brought in a raft of measures, including security cameras.

Violent patient marker cards have also been introduced in a bid to warn staff about potential trouble-makers.

Mr Maloney said: "We have put a lot of time, investment and resources into reducing violence, and stab-proof vests are the final piece in the jigsaw."

He said that the rise over the past 12 months could be due to greater staff awareness