THE boss of a popular Chorley teen night has defended the event after a 14-year-old girl claimed she was punched in the face by another young party-goer.

The youngster, from Chorley, who police have not named, suffered a black eye and minor cuts in the alleged assault.

Her mother reported the incident to the police the following morning.

But the Heventeen organiser Mark Bowden, said no incidents had been reported to his security team during the club night at Prime Resorts-owned Park Hall Nightclub, Charnock Richard and said the behaviour of the youngsters on the night was 'impeccable'.

He said: "I have 15 fully-trained security guards patrolling the door, the inside of the club and even the car park.

"No incidents were reported to either Heventeen or Prime Resorts on the night or following the event.

"If there was an incident then it should have been immediately reported to our staff who would have taken appropriate action."

Heventeen, a Blackpool-based events company, has more than 2,500 members and runs popular dance events at Park Hall.

The regular events were halted by Prime Resorts in October, 2003, after two separate incidents on the same night left youngsters seeking hospital treatment. But after a police and council consultation, plus a detailed security review, the night was relaunched in January.

Mr Bowden added: "The event is extremely popular in Chorley and throughout the region and we take security issues very seriously.

"The safety of the youngsters is extremely important which is why we have photographic membership and rigorous security checks."

Heventeen has a strict code of conduct which admits only 14-17-year olds.

All clubbers must be members and organisers hold their names and addresses on record.

A Chorley Police spokesman said: "Since the relaunch of Heventeen there has been a marked improvement in the behaviour of the youngsters.

"We believe this was an isolated incident, but will continue to monitor the safety of the teenagers who go to the nights."

A Prime Resorts spokesperson said: "The police were not called to the nightclub and we will be taking no further action."

The next Heventeen night due to take place tonight, Wednesday August 4, will go ahead as scheduled.