THERE'S a lot to think about when you're responsible for the safety of an entire government - not to mention a busy town, its residents and visitors.

The security operation at next month's Labour party conference in Bournemouth is the most comprehensive to date and hundreds of police officers are beginning to fall into their places after a year of detailed planning.

Top-level meetings have been held with anti-terrorist experts, firearms officers have been briefed, searches have been planned and VIP protection organised.

But just as important are the hundreds of other activities going on behind the scenes to ensure the 550 police officers needed for the event are all in the right place at the right time - and they all need to be fed.

Around 11,000 delegates are expected to descend on Bournemouth on September 23 and Operation Pegasus, the Dorset Police-led security operation, is now stepping up a gear as the conference draws closer.

It is headed by Superintendent David Griffith, whose aim is to have effective security without too much disruption in the town - a task easier said than done.

Gordon Brown's first party conference as Prime Minster is certain to attract massive interest.

Security co-ordinators already know of numerous protests and demonstrations planned during the event, at least one of which is likely to attract around 3,000 people.

Search teams will swing into action in the days before the event to ensure the Bournemouth International Centre and other conference venues are secure.

And fencing will go up around the "island site" which takes in the BIC and surrounding area including the Highcliff Hotel and parts of a number of roads including Beacon Road, St Michaels Road and West Hill Road.

Only those with special passes will be able to enter the site and numerous other initiatives will ensure the police have more knowledge than usual about who's in Bournemouth and who's not.

All vehicles entering and leaving Bournemouth on the A338 Spur Road are already being monitored by Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras and hotels in the town are adopting extra security measures.

Armed police will be visible throughout the town, mounted officers from Avon & Somerset Police will be on patrol and Dorset officers will be joined by their colleagues from Sussex, Hampshire, Wiltshire and Devon and Cornwall forces.

Supt Griffith is acutely aware that national and international events could have a direct impact on what happens in Bournemouth during conference week.

Plans will be adjusted accordingly if any specific risk is identified.

The Home Office is footing the £5 million security bill and Supt Griffith is determined the rest of Dorset will not suffer because of the conference.

All police leave and training courses have been cancelled to ensure all available officers are on duty throughout the county.

And he is also keen to point out that Bournemouth itself will be open for business as usual throughout.

"Very few car parks and roads will be closed so we don't want people to think that Bournemouth is closed to the public - everything will go on as usual."

With less than four weeks to go, Supt Griffith and his team are now entering the final stages of planning, which this year will be co-ordinated from a new Special Events Control Room at police headquarters in Winfrith. It will also be used during the Olympics in 2012.

And with more than 500 police officers to keep happy, let's hope they sort out one of the biggest logistical nightmares of all - the packed lunches!