BAR staff have been given extra training in an effort to prevent further river deaths.

A group of 24 barmen and women learned about alcohol legislation and how to spot and deal with drunks, in the latest City Safety Group bid to prevent any more Durham University students drowning in the River Wear.

Three students, Sope Peters, Luke Pearce and Euan Coulthard, have died in the river since late 2013.

Terry Collins, chair of the City Safety Group, said: “Ensuring bar staff are equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to serve alcohol safely plays a key part in keeping people out in our city safe.”

A second course aimed at bar owners and managers is planned for later this month.

Other new safety measures include breath tests, a drunk tank and a student-led riverside angels support scheme.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (Rospa) has begun an independent review of riverside safety and is expected to report next month.

Meanwhile, Go North East has introduced a new £2 single fare for students on its N20 and N21 nightbuses, which run between the city centre and Claypath, Gilesgate and Belmont and Aykley Heads, Framwellgate Moor, Pity Me and Chester-le-Street, respectively.

Students should show their Durham University ID card to get the discounted rate, which is available when boarding at North Road, Milburngate or Claypath.

An on-demand nightbus service for students was reintroduced after a gap of some years last month.