Mansfield’s Doorwatch group ­— believed to be the only active one of its kind in England — is celebrating its first year of successful operation.

An anniversary meeting, attended by door supervisors, who work at pubs and clubs in Mansfield, and representatives of companies that employ them was been held at Industria in the town centre.

Asked how they thought the group was going after its first year of operation, members gave it a thumbs-up.

“We learn a lot and door staff can better themselves,” one member said. “It helps you understand the work of the police and CCTV and we have built up a good rapport with the police because of Doorwatch,” another said.

As well as door staff, licensing officers from Nottinghamshire police and Mansfield District Council, a representative of Mansfield Partnership Against Crime (MPAC), a council CCTV operator and a town centre police sergeant also attended the meeting.

Police officers go to each of the group’s quarterly meetings. Speaking at the meeting, Acting Sergeant Colin Kirkup said: “It is going the right way. Violence in the town centre is down, even though footfall is up. It could well be that this increase in visitor numbers is because, through Purple Flag, we have promoted that you can have a safe night out in Mansfield. When we all pull together it does work.”

During the meeting members who had completed a first aid training course were presented with their certificates; an invitation was offered to visit the council’s CCTV control room and a discussion about ways to summon police help took place.

Mansfield Doorwatch was created using money from (MPAC) and is run by pub and club owner Paul Anderton, supported by Nottinghamshire Police licensing officer Kate Ansty. A logo designed for group members is worn on their armbands.