SECURITY staff at the Cornmill Shopping Centre will receive training in "tantrum taming" this summer as part of a new initiative.

The Darlington shopping centre's owner, NewRiver, is rolling the scheme out across its centres after finding that almost half of parents avoid shopping with children for fear of them misbehaving.

The training involves advice on spotting warning signs and how best to support children and adults while shopping.

Security staff will also be looking out for good behaviour that they can reward with a high five or a stocker.

The initiative is part of a new Kids Club scheme which aims to improve the shopping experience for parents.

Susan Young, centre manager at the Cornmill, said: “Our Kids Club aims to improve the overall experience for our family shoppers by helping to keep kids entertained in our centre and incentivise good behaviour. Our security staff also have a key role to play in this.

"As well as being trained to oversee the safety of our centres and their customers, they will now be in a position to help create a welcoming and enjoyable environment for both parents and children.”