DARWEN'S Roxy night-club and Bar Java were named as best bar and nightclub in Lancashire.

Roxy, in Market Square, and Bar Java, Wellington Fold, were up against 50 other premises including larger venues like The Syndicate, Blackpool, in the Best Bar None scheme.

It recognises alcohol establishments that act responsibly and are committed to providing customers with a safe environment.

Awards were judged by representatives from Lancashire police as part of Operation Nightsafe at the De Vere Hotel in Blackpool.

Roxy won the eastern police division title for best bar, and Roxy won best nightclub in the division, before they both won their overall categories for the county.

Reg Gorton, who owns both premises, said: "It's great for Darwen because people know that they can come, have a good night out and be safe.

"We won because of all the hard work we've put into our safety policies like not letting under-age drinkers in, not serving people who are obviously drunk, and our scheme for putting bags behind the bar."