Story by MAGGIE GIBSON FORMER Neale-Wade Community College pupil Colin Pope has launched his own specialist security company with prices that range from £125 for a 30th birthday rising to £175 for a 21st to as much as £200 for an 18th. The youth of today

Story by MAGGIE GIBSON

FORMER Neale-Wade Community College pupil Colin Pope has launched his own specialist security company with prices that range from £125 for a 30th birthday rising to £175 for a 21st to as much as £200 for an 18th.

"The youth of today are looking for a free party and this is a way of controlling who actually gets in to these things and people can enjoy themselves without worrying about it," he said.

"I am trained to work out all the risk factors and diffuse a situation and calm things down before it flares up.

Mr Pope also plans to offer personal protection for high-profile businessmen as well as stopping gate crashers at parties.

The 26-year-old from March set up Southside Security Services after training and working in the security industry. He originally studied engineering but decided it was not for him.

"A security company based in Peterborough gave me a job and I finally found a career path I enjoyed," he said. "I have always wanted to set my own business up and security is what I have trained and qualified in."

Having worked with pubs, clubs and industry, Colin says people find it hard to believe one of the most difficult jobs was in Kettering's main shopping centre.

Colin, of Ireton Way, said: "We had to wear stab vests because Kettering has a major drug problem and that is what we were dealing with most of the time."

He believes people are prepared to pay for peace of mind when they are holding events such as weddings and birthday parties.

CONTACT: Colin Pope on 07806 701 291