Griffin trained officers helped after the 7 July bomb attacks in London

Project Griffin, which was launched in Swansea on Tuesday, trains people how to deal with terrorist attacks and other major emergencies.

The scheme has been run by the City of London Police since 2004 and is now being introduced across the country.

Security guards with Griffin training were used to support emergency services after the 7 July bombs in London.

South Wales Police in Swansea ran the first Project Griffin training session in Wales on Tuesday and hope to train up to 100 local people, including businesses and retailers.

It made me realise although we're a small, family-run business how much we could assist the police and emergency services Shopkeeper Louise Lyons

The course teaches people how the emergency services would be co-ordinated in a terrorist attack, covers areas such as "conflict resolution" and terrorist planning, as well as helping them to become the "eyes and ears" of police.

More than 500 security officers have been trained by Project Griffin in London.

Sergeant John Lawson, the project's coordinator, said it was about staying "one step ahead of the game":

He said: "There is no terrorist threat to Swansea or any part of south Wales - we are just adapting to the changing times.

"Project Griffin is an opportunity to get staff of different businesses involved in protecting their customers and fellow employees.

"There is no cost to anyone - only a few hours time needed to attend a training session. It will be used to deal with any emergency type - whether flooding, gas leak or suspect package."

After the first course, shopkeeper Louise Lyons said: "It made me realise although we're a small, family-run business how much we could assist the police and emergency services should there be an attack".