FIREFIGHTERS in Bolton are to be given lessons in how to tackle louts -- after a spate of attacks by stone throwing youths.

Fire chiefs are introducing the extra training throughout Greater Manchester after an increase in incidents in which firemen have been attacked or abused over the last 12 months. There have been 180 physical or verbal assaults on firefighters in the last year. The number of attacks has increased over recent months and on average in the county one firemen is now being attacked or abused every two days.

County Fire Officer Barry Dixon has condemned the attacks on his officers as an "absolute disgrace".

Firefighters have been particularly targeted in the Little Hulton area.

The problem has been so bad that fire engines are now being sent into the area two at a time. Each fire tender is crewed by five firemen. Stones have also been thrown at firemen in isolated incidents in Farnworth and Bolton.

Now crews throughout Greater Manchester are to be the first in the country to receive "awareness training" showing them how to deal with thugs. The training will include advice on how to avoid the violence; how to assess the risks before they arrive at the scene of a fire and how to park their fire engines. Firemen are also being shown a new system of logging complaints.

Fire chiefs have also given their officers permission to leave the scene of a fire if they come under attack -- providing the fire does not pose a risk to lives or surrounding property.

County fire chief Mr Dixon said: "It is a shame we have to step up our training to help our firefighters deal with the threat of attacks, but we have to ensure that they are not drawn into a situation where they feel forced to retaliate. It is an absolute disgrace."

Peter Stevenson, chairman of the Hostilities Towards Firefighters working group -- formed only three months ago -- warned: "Attacks of any kind against firefighters will not be tolerated. We are encouraging anyone who has suffered abuse of any kind to inform us immediately."