AN ANNUAL police campaign to tackle anti-social behaviour over the summer holiday has been launched.

The two-month long operation aims to tackle alcohol related anti-social behaviour, drink driving whilst promoting public health messages and offering safety advice throughout East Lancashire.

Operation Summer Nights is part of a national police campaign.

Chief Inspector Allan Wyllie said: "Throughout the campaign, there will be additional police patrols on duty concentrating on areas which are of concern to our local communities.

"Members of the public can expect to see extra patrols on duty in town centres to reduce anti social behaviour and violent crime. "We will not tolerate a minority of people ruining the evening for the majority and any that choose to do so can expect to be dealt with robustly.

"We will also be working with Trading Standards, carrying out test purchasing operations at licensed premises across the division and anyone found to be selling alcohol to under-18s can expect prosecution.

"The road policing unit will be enforcing all legislation relating to drivers who either flaunt traffic legislation or use their vehicles in a way that upsets other road users and we will be issuing fixed penalty tickets and where necessary seizing vehicles."