MOST bouncers at clubs and pubs in the county are now properly trained and registered, a survey has revealed.

Police checks across the county has shown that more than 90 per cent of doorkeepers are now registered with the Security Industry Authority (SIA).

Senior police officers have praised the energy and efficiency of the force's licensing officers, who have persuaded doorstaff and their employers to support training and registration.

Inspector Stuart Mackleston, of the force's community safety unit, said: "The effort we are putting into the SIA registration scheme is all about targeting night-time alcohol-fuelled violence to protect the law-abiding majority."

Since March, all doorstaff at licensed premises have been required by law to be trained and registered with the SIA.

The training courses cover first-aid, conflict management, people skills, health and safety and licensing laws.

Staff also undergo criminal checks before they are issued with ID cards and numbers that can be checked by police or members of the public against the register on the SIA website. Employers also have to register.

In April, police and SIA teams checked licensed premises across the county, then again three weeks ago. Insp Mackleston described the results as very encouraging. Those who have no registration and no applications pending could face prosecution.