POLICE will step up patrols in Burnley tomorrow as the Clarets prepare to play Preston North End in a local derby match.

The decision to put extra bobbies on the streets came after a number of disturbances broke out before, during and after the game between the two clubs at PNE's Deepdale ground on November 2 last year.

A group of about 100 fans invaded the pitch when Burnley scored in the 3-1 defeat.

The invasion prompted a smaller pitch invasion by Preston fans following their team's second goal.

Police mounted a large inquiry following the game and 25 people were arrested as a result.

The increased police presence will be part of Operation Fixture, which has been running in Pennine Division since November 2002.

It is an intelligence and evidence gathering operation designed to reduce incidents of disorder associated with Burnley Football Club fixtures.

A police spokesman said: "We would like to reassure all those genuine football fans who are attending the fixture that we are doing everything we can to make attending the football game a safe enjoyable experience."

Clarets fans are already prevented from travelling to Millwall's ground following repeated trouble between the two sets of fans and it is hoped the extra police patrols will prevent more trouble and the potential for genuine fans to be banned from other grounds.

Since the launch of Operation Fixture in December more than people have been arrested and 12 people have been barred from town centre pubs and clubs, as well as match bans being imposed.