POLICE, vets and trading standards officers swooped to seize three Burmese pythons, being used to take photographs of tourists.

RSPCA officers also joined 'Operation Abolish' -- part of a crack-down on street trading in Blackpool. They seized two snakes at Central Promenade and one in the sunken gardens area.

The snakes have now been taken to a sanctuary, where, Blackpool Council says, they are receiving care and medical attention.

Blackpool trading standards officer, Tim Coglan, said: "Anyone found using live animals in this way will have them taken off them as part of a zero tolerance crackdown.

"Obviously our main concern is the animals' welfare, but the seizure is also part of a wider crackdown. Our message is clear -- illegal street trading will not be tolerated in Blackpool."

The swoop came just four days after a Blackpool photographer vowed to carry on taking snaps of visitors with snakes despite being hit with penalties totalling more than £2,000.

Three photographers appeared in court on Thursday, accused of breaking legislation brought in by Blackpool Borough Council following complaints by residents and visitors about the welfare of the snakes and health fears, as the reptiles can cause salmonella poisoning.

Defiant Stephen Bach told Blackpool magistrates that they could fine him what they wanted. He refused to stop plying his trade, accused the council of trying to ruing his livelihood and said he was prepared to go to prison over the issue.

The court was told that the snake photographers charged customers £3 a picture and it had been estimated that they could earn £648 during a six hour shift.

Bach, 27, of Hill Street, Blackpool, admitted nine offences of breaching trading laws by taking photographs without council consent. He was fined £1,800 with £379 costs.

Justices were told that Bach had 12 similar previous convictions on which he owed fines of £2,578.

Peter Byrne, 30, of Station Road, Blackpool, admitted 10 trading standards offences.

He was fined £2,000 and told to pay £409 costs. Magistrates heard he had three previous, similar convictions on which he owed £800 in fines.

David Gilgrass, 34, of Progress Court, Blackpool, was found guilty of five trading standards offences after a trial in his absence. He was fined £1,000 with £259 costs. The court was told he owed fines of £500 for three previous, similar convictions.

Lynda Bennett, prosecuting for the council, said the authority had brought in legislation in 2001 which covered such street photography. She said: "This was done following numerous complaints from residents and visitors to the town over the welfare of the snakes being used for photographic purposes with members of the public.

"There were also worries about the health risks, such as salmonella, concerned with such exotic pets.

"The council is seeking to regenerate Blackpool. As part of this, the council is trying to alleviate the problem of illegal street trading to try and encourage new businesses to the town."

She added that all three defendants had been seen on several occasions on the Promenade this summer taking pictures of members of the public with snakes draped around them.

Bach told the court: "I feel very strongly about this. You can fine me as much as you want. I'm not moving. I am prepared to go to prison. Up to 2001, what we did was perfectly legitimate."

Byrne told magistrates: "There is no way on earth any of us earn £108 an hour. On average I earn £80 to £90 a week. I carry on with it, because it is the way I make my living to pay for my rent and food."