A PILOT scheme to breath test drinkers at the pub door will begin “imminently”, a safety chief confirmed tonight (Wednesday, February 25), as the first student river angels took to the streets of Durham to protect their drunken course mates.

Terry Collins, chair of Durham’s City Safety Group, said the breathalysers had been ordered and a pilot would begin with around seven pubs and clubs within weeks.

Anyone found to be more than twice the drink drive limit could be refused entry and referred to “guardians” to ensure they get home safely.

The first of 50 Durham University student volunteers took to the city centre tonight (Wednesday, February 25) to care for vulnerable and distressed revellers.

The moves are part of a raft of safety measures agreed following the death of three students in the River Wear.

Other measures include a drunk tank, nightbus, safety training and a £50,000 education campaign.

Mr Collins said: “We’ve had nothing but help from everybody.

“We will do everything we can to keep people safe.”

Sixteen people have used the drunk tank since it opened – 12 locals, three students and a tourist. A permanent base has now been found and will open soon.

City centre manager Carol Feenan said she hoped the safety messages were starting to get through.

The river angels have been trained in basic life-saving, drug and alcohol awareness, safety, the law and water emergencies.

Three teams of four students, plus a project leader and member of university staff, will patrol different areas of the city each Wednesday night, Durham’s busiest student night, until the university Easter vacation, when the pilot will be reviewed.

One of those taking part, Adam Dempsey, a 21-year-old third-year politics student, said: “It’s great there’s something run by the students for students.

“There’s been a really good response (to the deaths). People have really come together.”

Asked whether he thought students were drinking more, he said: “Personally, I don’t think so.”

Jess Bygrave, a third-year psychology student, added: “We want to make sure everyone’s having a good time but safe. We’re one big family looking after each other.

“There’s been a sadness about what’s happened but something positive has come from it.”