HEREFORD'S "fourth emergency service" has been honoured at an awards ceremony.

The black-tie event paid tribute to the door staff who help ensure the safety of revellers in Hereford and who are often first on the scene should trouble start.

Organiser of the awards, Dan Guerche, who is manager at Play nightclub and a representative of Herefordshire Against Night time Disorder (HAND), said the city is the first to host its own Security Industry Authority (SIA) Awards.

Three awards were handed out on the evening. Recognised as doorman of the year was Andy Welch who has worked on the doors at Fusion, The Jailhouse, The Kerry, JDs and The Commercial.

After 40 years in the industry, Tony Osman, 71, received the lifetime achievement award.

Mr Guerche said the only place in Hereford that Mr Osman did not work the doors of is The Booth Hall.

"We believe he was the first SIA officer in Herefordshire. His last spot was at The Hop Pole before retiring in September. His motto to younger doormen has always been "talk and walk"," said Mr Guerche

The daughter of George Gwynn, who died on the A49 at Moreton-on-Lugg on December 12, also collected a posthumous award which paid tribute to her dad.

"I'm very happy with how it all went, it was a great first event. We have already had a meeting to see how we can make it even better next year," added Mr Guerche.

"It's something that HAND will be looking to do again. It was the first in the country that a city has recognised the door staff in SIA ."