A KEEP-FIT mother has broken into what has mainly been a man's world by starting a security service for North-East pubs and clubs.

In between law studies at Durham University, 29-year-old Erika Brennand, from New Brancepeth, has launched the Elle's Belles agency to satisfy what she describes as a rapidly growing demand for female bouncers.

Ms Brennand, who has a seven-year-old son, said: "It may seem bizarre, but there is a genuine need for women to be on the doors of pubs and clubs in this region.

"One of the biggest problems is the number of young women now drinking to excess, leaving themselves so vulnerable. They seem intent to get as much booze down their necks as possible."

Ms Brennand, who owes her fitness to kick-boxing, said her biggest problem was dealing with drunken women, who often collapsed in toilets.

She and her business partner, Alex Wilkinson, a 28-year-old office manager from Gateshead, have already been on the door at pubs and clubs in Crook, County Durham, Hartlepool and Dur-ham and have faced few problems in dealing with troublesome male drinkers. Ms Brennand said: "We have thrown men out of pubs and have no problems with the physical side of things.

"We find we have a calming influence on them, and the age of chivalry by men towards women still seems to be alive and kicking.

"The worst trouble we have had to face is verbal abuse and attempted headbutts - mainly from women."

Ms Brennand was influenced in starting her agency by reading a research paper prepared for the British Journal of Sociology by Dr Kate O'Brien, a Durham University law lecturer.

Dr O'Brien said: "There is usually a longer build-up of behaviour problems with women in pubs and clubs, and a lot of alcohol is often involved.

"You get situations with distressed girls having altercations after too many drinks have been consumed. It is important to have female staff to deal with this."

Her findings were backed by the latest figures from the Security Industry Authority, which monitors pub and club security staff, showing a rapid rise in the number of female bouncers from two per cent to 11 per cent.

Ms Wilkinson and Ms Brennand, who intends carrying on with her agency after she completes her law studies, have already recruited one member of staff, 45-year-old Lynne Holliday, from Brandon, County Dur- ham.

Any women interested in signing up can call the agency on 0191-373 3179.