A MAJOR shake-up of the Lancashire Police Force came into effect, with the promise of a better, more efficient service from the boys in blue.

Although it meant the abolition of some high ranks, Chief Constable Brian Johnson pledged to claw back the money saved and plough it into putting more officers on the streets.

Also, women and the disabled in Blackburn were being encouraged to become more involved in sport as part of the council's long term sports strategy.