A PUB which was criticised for holding a controversial "all you can drink for a tenner" night has turned it into a regular event.

The first event at Churchill's, Cannon Street, Accrington, last month, attracted criticism from police, councillors and alcohol support groups but proved to be a great success with drinkers.

Police feared it could lead to excessive drinking and trigger violence in the town centre, but it has not been the case.

Angela Calvert, assistant manager at Churchill's, said: "We have a strict door policy as well as CCTV and radio links to the police station."

The nights will now be held on Friday and Saturday from 9pm to 2am with a £10 entrance fee and then a free bar all night.

In addition to precautions taken by the Cannon Street venue the police town centre team, set up in January to offer a dedicated crime fighting force in the shopping and drinking area, has proved a great success in curbing crime.

Les Sholicar, licensing officer, said: "My concern is the problems with regard to serving alcohol to drunk persons and not allowing under-18s in but this has been discussed and the owners couldn't have been more co-operative."

Julian Platt, town centre sergeant for Accrington, said: "I still have concerns regarding Churchill's but the owners understand what we expect."

But Coun Dave Parkins said: "About 90 per cent of trouble is drink-related so this extension is just opening up to more trouble. It is a stupid idea."