Hospital security to impose fines

The hospital security staff will wear high-visibility uniforms

Hospital security staff are to be given powers to impose £80 fixed-penalty fines for anti-social behaviour and other minor offences.

Eight staff at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge have undergone police training and are taking part in a 12-month pilot scheme to boost security.

Cambridgeshire Police has appointed the eight as "accredited persons".

Peter Lester, security adviser, said there were very few problem incidents at Addenbrooke's.

Supt Mike Brown, from Cambridgeshire Police, will officially begin the scheme later.

The security staff trained by police will have high-visibility uniforms and wear distinctive badges.