A STUDENT has been cautioned for cannabis possession after he was spotted wandering through another college with a "reefer."

The 17-year-old, a student at St Mary's College, in Shear Brow, Blackburn, is to face disciplinary action from staff but will be allowed to take his AS Level exams within the next few weeks.

Police have confirmed the teenager, from Great Harwood, received the caution after a security guard at Blackburn College spotted him with the roll-up at around 1pm on Friday.

Another teenager of the same age and from the Blackburn area was also spoken to and searched by police but freed after no traces of drugs were found on him.

Community beat manager for Blackburn town centre, PC Graham Davies, confirmed: "We attended Blackburn College after receiving a call from a member of its security just before 1pm on Friday.

"I can confirm a 17-year-old from Great Harwood was cautioned for possession of a reefer containing cannabis."

Principal at the Roman Catholic sixth form college, Kevin McMahon, insisted the educational establishment had a zero tolerance approach to drugs and the teenager would be punished.

"I can confirm the student involved is a Year 12 pupil at St Mary's College and is currently on study leave. We have a dedicated tutorial programme which deals with drug related issues."

Principal at Blackburn College Ian Clinton said: "St Mary's College will have every support from Blackburn College to deal with this matter."

It is the latest in a number of drug incidents involving East Lancashire pupils.