Plans to set up a training school for bodyguards in Brighton have been scuppered because no one applied for the first course.

Darren Rodway, UK operations director for Guardian Protective Services International, wanted to pass on his expertise to people in his home city of Brighton and Hove.

However, although about 40 people inquired about the two-day introductory course he planned to run this month, none of them took up the offer.

Mr Rodway, 30, still hopes to try again later this year but was disappointed by the apparent lack of daring shown by local people.

He said: "I'm not quite sure why no one followed up their interest. It's a real disappointment that I've had to cancel the course.

"It could be because people are wary of getting into a new profession. I'd definitely urge people to give it a go, though."

The two-day course, priced at £99, was meant to be the launch pad for a training school and permanent base for the firm in Brighton.

Mr Rodway is running the firm's UK operations from his home in Hove but is confident he can soon open a new office in George Street, Brighton.

At first the office would serve only as an administrative base but he hoped a training school could be opened at the site eventually.

Mr Rodway said: "Unfortunately, things are moving a little more slowly than I would have liked.

"But we are drawing up a new course, which should be ready in the next few months."

Mr Rodway's firm was called in by the BBC to bolster security after a Real IRA car bombing at BBC Television Centre in west London in March 2001.

There has also been strong demand for the company's services from wealthy Middle Eastern families in the south of France.

The Bank of America has employed the firm after being targeted by animal rights activists over its dealings with drug testers, Huntingdon Life Sciences.

The bodyguards spend weeks researching countries their clients plan to visit, checking homes and cars for safety and drawing up security strategies.

For more details, email gpsihq@aol.com