A CLITHEROE-based developer has joined forces with a counter terrorism officer to create an app which provides advice to those during a terror attack.

YUDU Ltd has developed the Alaris app, which provides advice to places of worship, such as churches and mosques, on how to be better prepared in likelihood of an attack.

The free app provides a security plan, gives advice on cctv, full and partial evacuation, as well as information on lock downs, mail handling, reporting suspicious behaviour as well as personal protection.

The application also provides advice on immediate, or suspect attacks.

This includes information on what to do if someone is in the vicinity of an attack, as well as crisis management for building staff and how to deal with incidents in front of the place of worship, as well as dealing with a suspect package

Richard Stephenson, CEO of YUDU Ltd, based in Primrose Road, said the app was developed with the help security and counter-terrorism officer Chris Phillips, former head of the UK's National Counter Terrorism Security Office.

He said: "The recent attacks and tragic loss of life in New Zealand and Sri Lanka prompted us to take action.

"A lot of churches and mosques in areas such as East Lancs don't have a lot of security as the likelihood of an attack is rare.

"However if there can be attacks in New Zealand, then everywhere has a small chance.

"We want to make sure those in charge of place of worships have a plan on how to deal with a variety of situations as well as giving people who are in those buildings a better chance of survival.

"This information is free and ready on your phone instantly.

"It may be the difference in saving someone's life."

More than 50 people and dozens more were injured as mass shootings took place at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand in March.

In April, 258 people were killed and more than 500 were injured after three churches, three luxury hotels as well as a housing complex and a guest house across Sri Lanka were attacked by suicide bombings.

Mr Stephenson said: "Chris has given us his invaluable advice which he has gained over years of experience.

"We developed the app within a couple of weeks as we wanted to get as much information out there as quick as possible."

The Alaris app is available on the Apple store and the android play store.