THEY'RE big, tough and determined - and you want them around.

Meet the Whiteley Village Security Team. The shopping outlet's last line of defence has been awarded "Best Security Team" in the south-east.

It is an annual award given by the British Security Industry Association to guards who have shown bravery, innovation, quick thinking, skill and dedication to their job.

The Whiteley team, based near Fareham, will now be automatically nominated for the category of National Security Team 2004, and will be up against five other teams from around the UK.

The winner will be announced in the autumn.