STAFF from Burnley FC, the emergency services, and the Army, have been wearing white ribbons as part of a campaign against domestic violence.

The White Ribbon scheme is part of the international 16 days of Action Against Gender Violence Campaign, which ends today and has been backed by people including Clarets boss Owen Coyle.

It involves men wearing a white ribbon and making a pledge never to commit, condone, or remain silent about violence against women.

Representatives from the borough’s community safety partnership, which has been overseeing the campaign, have been handing out white ribbons to men and asking them to sign a pledge against domestic violence. They managed to get over 500 signatures in two hours.

Burnley Council’s domestic violence co-ordinator Louise Howorth said: “The good news is that more and more men want to make a difference, and Burnley Police, Lancashire Fire and Rescue, the Army, and Burnley Football Club have agreed to be part of the campaign this year.

“Part of the aim of the town centre event was to get men from uniformed services acting as positive male role models, making a stand against violence towards women.

“We also recognise that men can also experience domestic abuse.”