TWO violent revellers have been jailed for attacking a doorman with an iron post when he refused them entry to a nightclub.

Lee Almond, 30, of Lytham Road, Blackburn, and George Johnstone, 31, of Crossfields Caravan Park, Haslingden Road, were jailed for a total of nine years and four months.

WARNING: Footage contains graphic scenes.

They each received four years, eight months for wounding with intent.

The incident happened around 2.25am on July 18, 2009, at the Jazzy Kex nightclub, Regent Street, Blackburn.

The victim, 43-year-old doorman William Hodge, of Oswaldtwistle, was working at the club when he refused entry to one member of a group of men.

Following a brief argument the victim was punched to the ground where he lay unconscious.

Graphic CCTV footage shows Mr Hodge being repeatedly punched in the face.

Then one of his attackers picked up a five-kilo metal pole - used to usher queues into the nightspot - and struck him over the head, knocking him unconscious.

Immediately after the blow with the pole, Mr Hodge's body went limp. The attackers fled and people gathered around him trying to help.

Acting Detective Constable Ian Lawless said: “I am happy with the sentence and hope it sends out a clear message that this type of thuggish and violent behaviour will not be tolerated.

“The victim in this case sustained horrific injuries including a fractured skull and cheek bone, and a bleed on the brain. This level of violence could have resulted in a more tragic outcome, and the offenders will now have plenty of time to reflect on the worthiness of their actions.

“As a force we are committed to making the town centre a safe place for the people of Blackburn to socialise.“