CONTROVERSIAL comic Bernard Manning is returning to Burnley - almost a year after he was stopped from appearing in the town by council bosses.

Manning, who has prompted allegations of racism because of the nature of his act, is scheduled to perform at the Old Red Lion pub, Manchester Road, on Sunday, May 30.

Police today said they would be keeping a close eye on the event to ensure it did not break any race laws or spark trouble in the town.

However, they said they were powerless to pull the plug on the show. Police can only intervene in a live performance if they believe it will incite racial hatred. Last time Manning played in Burnley, at Paradise Island last July, plain clothed police officers were planted in the audience to keep an eye on the funnyman.

Det Sgt Dave Groombridge, of Pennine Police's Hate Crime Unit, said he would be notifying police bosses about the gig.

He added: "We would be powerless to stop an event like this even if we wanted to, but I should imagine the police response will be along the same lines as his last appearance."

Manning has recently appeared in Blackburn and Haslingden as well as Burnley and was due to appear at the town's Mechanics Theatre last October.

But town hall chiefs said his show was "not in keeping" with council policies.

Manning, however, said: "At the end of the day I tell jokes and people shouldn't take things too seriously, it is all an act.

"I am not racist. My jokes are just a bit of fun and people should not take them personally."

The comic also pulled out of last year's British National Party festival at Sawley, near Clitheroe after he was pressured to withdraw by fellow comedians.