They are the men in black who are willing to take a bullet for their boss.

Peering out over dark sunglasses, they scan the horizon for the slightest sign of trouble, gun always close by.

But this Hollywood image of bodyguards is what Darren Rodway wants to get away from. He has come to Brighton to show the reality of the job.

Mr Rodway, from Hove, is UK operations director for Guardian Protective Services International and is running a two-day workshop in April on the basics of being a bodyguard.

He also hopes to add to offices in New York and Miami with a head office in Brighton, a city full of celebrities who may need protecting.

But first he wants to dispel a few myths.

He said: "The film The Bodyguard misled people.

"It made being a BG (bodyguard) look a lot more glamourous than it is. Not everyone gets to protect Whitney Houston.

"No BG worth his salt wants to take a bullet. You are not much protection if you are lying on the floor.

"The aim is to do everything to prevent that being necessary, such as changing someone's route to work."

"And the all-black image goes back to the Sixties - but I usually wear dark blue."

Mr Rodway's firm was called in by the BBC to improve security after a Real IRA car bombing at Television Centre in 2001.

There has also been strong demand for its services from wealthy Middle Eastern families mooring in the south of France.

Mr Rodway believes there are many rogue bodyguards working, as they do not need licences or qualifications.

He said: "A bad bodyguard is usually too aggressive. Bouncers have no more rights than an ordinary civilian.

"When Madonna went jogging in Hyde Park surrounded by bodyguards, they were shoving bystanders out of the way. You just can't do that.

"It can be a dangerous job. Luckily I haven't been attacked myself. We prepare too well for that."

For more details of the course, call 07889 937413 or email gpsihq@aol.com