A police operation to crack down on the number of attacks on foreign students has been hailed a success.

Operation Columbus was launched three years ago after concerns about the rising number of violent attacks and robberies involving overseas students.

Police and council chiefs have been holding weekly meetings to try to prevent visiting students from becoming the victims of crime.

Leaders of language schools in the Hastings area have been given tips on crime prevention as part of the countrywide scheme.

In the past, Hastings has seen a number of incidents involving foreign students, including thefts and violent attacks, but according to police local initiatives have helped ease the problem.

Students have been given advice on how to steer clear of trouble, protect their property and avoid being singled out as targets.

As part of the operation, traders were asked to back the Student Watch scheme by making their shop a safe haven for students to go to if they feel threatened.

Each shop displays a sticker and staff are instructed to contact police if an incident occurs.

There were concerns that foreign students, who bring a revenue of £30 million to Hastings alone, would be deterred from visiting for fear of trouble.

But over the last couple of years the number of reported attacks has fallen dramatically.

Inspector Tim Mottram hopes the success of the scheme will make the area a more welcoming place for visitors.

He said: "We know who the suspects are and we've been keeping an eye on them.

"Attacks in the town centre are no longer a problem but there is still some trouble in different areas where students get off buses and trains. This is more difficult to monitor.

"But the scheme has been evolving over the last few years and now we are seeing the results. The number of robberies has been cut right down."