Home Office Minister Lord Bassam has given his backing to a major police crackdown on alcohol-related crime in Hastings.

The former leader of Brighton and Hove Council visited Hastings on Friday evening where he was briefed on Operation Marble.

It operates on Saturday and Friday nights as part of an effort by Hastings Police to combat alcohol-related crimes during pub closing times.

The operation was launched in the summer to give a higher police profile in Hastings town centre.

During the operation's first three weekends, police made 24 arrests, many for drink-related crimes.

Lord Bassam heard residents' concerns about violence in the town before joining the Operation Marble team at various nightspots, including the G-Spot where he saw how CCTV cameras were being used to spot potential trouble.

Afterwards, he commended the police and nightclubs for forging strong links to prevent crime.

He said: "I was really impressed. I know that there have been problems in the past, particularly during the summer months when there are foreign students about.

"But there exists a very strong relationship between the police and the nightclubs which helps to ensure that people can enjoy their weekends and week nights free from any trouble."

Hastings and Rye MP Michael Foster said he was so impressed with the scheme that he wanted to show the minister.

Mr Foster said: "It is not just a question of reducing crime but young people who meet officers are telling me that they build relationships.

" say the police are extremely friendly and, of course, the young people who are often the major victims of crime also feel more secure." * Today, Lord Bassam will be introducing a new bill in the House of Lords which aims to regulate private security, in particular by introducing set standards for bouncers in nightclubs.