BUSINESS owners in Darwen are warned to be on the lookout for counterfeit bank notes after the area was swamped over the Easter Weekend.

Traders in the Duckworth Street area contacted police after the forged £20 notes were picked up by counterfeit detection equipment.

One trader said up to 20 of the notes were handed over the counter at his shop.

Paul Ainsworth-Lord, owner of Booze Brothers, in Duckworth Street, is warning other traders that the notes do look genuine.

He said: "They have just started appearing over the last week or so and on Friday alone around 10 forged £20 notes were handed to our staff by people attempting to spend them.

"Luckily our staff are very vigilant and we have detection equipment. We have

written on the notes that they are forged and handed them back to the customer.

"We have had about 20 in all and one of the notes did get through and was rejected by the bank.

"I would imagine that some of the businesses around here are going to have problems when they come to banking their takings.

"I have spoken to other business owners on our parade and they have experienced similar problems."

Inspector Andy Hill of Blackburn Police said: "We would ask shop owners to be extra vigilant and report any problems to us.

"We would also urge them to make use of any ultra-violet equipment that can detect counterfeit bank notes."

Anyone with information or concerns should contact police on 01254 51212.