St. George's Mayor Lois Perinchief has issued a New Year appeal to louts to stay away from the town.

Mrs. Perinchief said the old capital's traditional New Year's Eve celebrations would take place as usual -- with Police on the lookout for trouble.

Groups of youths spoiled last year's December 31 party when they started fights in the run-up to midnight.

But Mrs. Perinchief said: "We don't want any of that again.

"It will not be tolerated and while we want lots of young people there, we want them to have fun by behaving themselves, not causing trouble.

"It's a night for friends and family and celebrations and dancing -- not trouble.'' She said the party would start with music just after 7 p.m. and last until almost 1 a.m.

Local band Legacy will play between 10 p.m. and 12.30 a.m.

Next year will be brought in by the traditional lowering of the onion in the town square, followed by a fireworks display.

MACHETE ATTACK CRM Machete attack Detectives are hunting a man who launched into a machete attack outside the Southampton Rangers Club.

Police said a 35-year-old man suffered a gashed arm in the incident around 9 p.m. on Sunday.

Officers said the man was standing outside the club when the attacker approached and swung at him with a machete.

A Bermuda Police Service spokesman said: "The victim ducked and raised his arm to protect himself, as a result of which he sustained a deep gash to his arm. Inquiries into the incident are continuing.''