BURNLEY bouncers will be asked to wear fluorescent jackets to provide a high-visibility presence on the doors of the town's pubs and clubs.

The pilot project aims to make it easier for revellers and CCTV cameras to pick out the rigorously-trained supervisors.

It is a step being taken as part of Burnley's acclaimed pub watch scheme Burnley Against Night-time Disorder (BAND).

The project has celebrated its success in curbing the growing menace of drunken and anti-social behaviour with a fourth high-profile re-launch ahead of the Christmas rush, when it was revealed door staff would be asked to wear the bright yellow jackets.

BAND was set up in 2000 and was this year praised by the Government as a shining example of how to tackle alcohol related crime and disorder leading to major cities following the scheme.

Other achievements this year include a successful scheme during Euro 2004 that saw virtually no trouble in the town. A proof of age scheme has also had an impact, while a new magazine helped promote pubs and clubs.

The self-funded partnership between Burnley Council, the police and town centre licensees includes representatives from the town centre management team, the Royal British Legion, taxi firms and the drugs outreach team.

The re-launch saw praise lavished on the scheme for its success in making Burnley Town Centre safer at night.

Chief Superintendent Jerry Graham, who is responsible for policing in Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale, said he had recently returned to Burnley after moving away five years ago and noticed a "massive difference".

He said Burnley's shameful "Wild West town" tag had been turned round, adding: "That's why I'm pleased to celebrate the work that BAND has achieved.

"The work we are doing together is making a real difference to the people of Burnley and making the town centre safer. BAND shows it is possible to have a vibrant economy and a safe town centre."

He added that the police could not have achieved the success on its own, saying that the scheme was an "excellent example" of self-regulation.

The relaunch at Lava and Ignite nightclub yesterday heard that BAND is preparing for the introduction of the Licensing Act 2003 in February, which will have a huge impact on the industry.

Other additions include "safer tipple tips" printed on 6,000 cards as part of the Homesafe scheme that details taxi numbers.

BAND's new chairman Richard Taylor was delighted with the success.

He said: "I think it's about the licensees. BAND works as a scheme because the licensees work hard and work together. There's no individuals - it's a team effort.

"It shows the attitude of the licensees in Burnley is superb and professional and that's why people are copying our scheme around the country."