Lollipops are being used in an innovative attempt at cutting noise as students leave a union bar.

Students leaving the University of London's student union bar in Bloomsbury on a Saturday night are being given lollipops - in the belief that when students are sucking sweets they will be less likely to be able to shout, talk loudly or cause a disturbance.

The scheme seems to be working, as the University of London Union says that since the lollipops have been handed out complaints about noise have fallen sharply.

The lollipop policy was introduced after local residents had complained about noise at closing time from the 700 or so students using the union bar at weekends.

Union president, Matt Butt, says that the noise problem was caused as much by pubs in the area as by the students' union, but the union was keen to show that it was serious about helping to cut noise.

The union also uses 'spotters' who patrol near to the Malet Street building, encouraging rowdy students to go home quietly.

Although irritated by stereotypes of students as young people more interested in drinking than studying, Mr Butt says that the unorthodox approach to noise problems seems to be working.