POLICE powers which allow officers to issue louts and minor criminals with on-the-spot fines are to be rolled out across the county.

Drunks, fireworks louts, emergency hoaxers and those buying alcohol for under-age drinkers are among those who can be fined.

Causing anxiety and nuisance on housing estates, public places and public transport can also result in a fine.

The Penalty Notice for Disorder scheme, with fines of £40 and £80, was launched in Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale last month.

Lancashire Constabulary's Pennine Division was the first in northern England to use it. It has also been tested nationally by five other police forces and will now operate across Lancashire.

Hyndburn Labour MP Greg Pope today welcomed the move. And he said he hoped similar fines would one day be imposed on parents of younger louts under 18, who currently escape fines because of their age.

Mr Pope said: "This is a step in the right direction and I welcome its arrival in Hyndburn. I meet people every week at my advice surgeries whose lives are effected by anti-social behaviour.

"They are crying out for action to be taken. This system fast-tracks justice for people doing anti-social things. That's really, really welcome.

"The more tools we give the police, the better. And I'm sure that's the view of the majority of residents."

Fine tickets are issued by police officers for a range of offences including wasting police time, drunkenness, or buying alcohol for under 18s.

Tickets can be handed out on the street or in police stations after arrest.

Police hope the scheme will reduce low-level offences, cut police and court bureaucracy.

Insp John Clucas said: "By dealing with minor offences in this way, we believe officers will save about two hours of administration for each. That could save of many thousands of pounds each year. Unless the individual challenges the penalty notice, we expect this to have a significant impact on the courts' workload.

"In addition, an individual given a PND can benefit, because it is an alternative to a court appearance, which could result in a criminal conviction. Unlike other forms of fixed penalty tickets, the police do not receive any of the money paid by offenders. It goes straight to the Exchequer."

PNDs, can only be issued to over 18s and have to be paid in full within 21 days. If not, the fine rises by 50 per cent. Any outstanding sum is pursued by the courts as an unpaid fine.