EAST Lancashire police today received an early Christmas present as it was revealed 72 new community support workers are to take to the streets.

Each of Lancashire Constabulary's six divisions, including Eastern covering Blackburn, Darwen, Accrington and Ribble Valley and Pennine covering Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale, will get 12 Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs).

The officers are expected to have a direct effect on the quality of life of people living in the country by patrolling the streets and carrying out a range of duties.

Their role will involve liaising with local communities as well as "ticketing" -- issuing penalty notices for anti-social behaviour including cycling on footpaths and pavements, dog fouling, litter and consuming alcohol in public places.

But their role will be increased in Pennine Division where PCSOs will be given powers to arrest and detain offenders.

A spokesman for Pennine Division said: "We have yet to decide who will get what in terms of numbers of PCSOs allocated to each district but all areas will benefit.

"We know we will have 12 in Pennine Division with half in place for Christmas. We are still recruiting and training people which takes time so the rest will be in place in the New Year."

A spokesman for Lancashire Police went on: "It is extremely good news because these officers will tackle issues which affect the quality of life-- which police officers can't always deal with straight away.

"They will target juvenile nuisance and other low level crime issues. This is new and exciting and we are looking forward to embrace in the changes."

This year the Police Authority and Lancashire Constabulary will receive nearly £1 million to set up and run this innovative scheme, with further funding available until the end of the 2005/2006 financial year.

These new Officers will wear an easily recognisable uniform that will be readily associated with the police -- but will distinctive in its own right.

County Councillor Ruth Henig, Chairman of Lancashire Police Authority, said: "Lancashire's bid for this scheme was particularly well received by the Home Office who were impressed with the way the constabulary and Police Authority were working together to promote community safety and reassurance.

"The way we plan to deploy our Police Community Support Officers across Lancashire means both urban and rural areas will benefit.

"They will be a real asset in our quest to make Lancashire a place where people can feel safe and where action will be taken to combat anti-social behaviour and vandalism."