POLICE in a rural Pendle town are using tiny, hands-free CCTV cameras to collect evidence at crime scenes.

Officers in Barnoldswick are wearing the high-tech devices as an earpiece to make recordings for court prosecutions.

Members of the West Craven neighbourhood police team began wearing the mini-cameras two weeks ago.

Sgt Brian Strickland, of Barnoldswick Police, said the discreet cameras would be used to prevent disorder and accurately record evidence.

He added: “It is an excellent piece of equipment that will make people aware they are being recorded.

“I think it will have a positive effect on behaviour and is something that we can use to reassure the community.”

The new devices have been funded by the Pendle community safety partnership and cost around £800 each.

Colne was the first town in the borough to deploy the cameras to local police, but now the scheme is set to be rolled out across Pendle.

Coun David Whipp is fully behind the new camera scheme.

He said: “I think its a great idea it will help the police with the work that they do.

“The cameras will also protect members of the public.

“I am sure the cameras are value for money and they will do a good job.”

A spokesperson for the police said it is hoped the camera will not just serve as a device to gather evidence for court appearances, but also act as a deterrent for potential offenders.

The cameras, which have been used in towns across the country, sit on the left ear of the police officer.