A SPOT check of pub and nightclub bouncers found only one who did not have the correct licence.

Police and officials from the Security Industry Authority (SIA), which has been responsible for licensing door staff since December, visited 34 premises across Wearside, the first joint inspection they have held in the area.

"Of those checked, only one failed to have the correct licence, resulting in the licensee being cautioned,'' said a police spokesman.

"Ultimately, licensees can be prosecuted for employing non-licensed staff and may be brought before magistrates."

The checks were part of the Northumbria force's summer-long The Party's Over campaign against drunkenness, violence and disorder.

Chief Inspector Jo Miskimmin, of Sunderland area command, said that the SIA's new door staff accreditation scheme was good news for pub-goers and door staff alike. It means door staff are trained to a high standard, with improved training and professionalism within the business.

"We believe this will lead to even stronger links between police and the licensing trade. We already share a great deal of information, particularly with those premises that are members of our Pubwatch schemes and the work of the SIA will raise standards even higher."