FANS are being urged to help stamp out football violence by telephoning a unique hooligan hotline being set up by police for Sunday's East Lancashire derby.

The special number, which will only operate on matchday, has been established in response to public concerns about the match.

It is the first time a special hotline has been used by Lancashire Police during a football match and it is running to ease the pressure on the usual police phone lines which deal with other inquiries.

Police bosses have stressed that the number -- 01254 353653 -- is only for football-related matters, but this could include things like parking problems, obstruction, disorder, or people behaving suspiciously, as well as blowing the whistle on any known trouble-makers.

Trouble flared in December after Rovers' 2-0 victory at Turf Moor, the first derby for 17 years, when 20 fans were arrested after going on the rampage in Burnley town centre.

Police have been planning a massive security operation for this match since the turn of the year and provisions will include a repeat of the coaching arrangements for away fans, who will be bused into the ground with a police escort.

Up to 5,000 Burnley fans are expected to attend the match.

Det Insp Tim Jacques, of the Intelligence Unit at Blackburn CID, said: "We have set up this line to enable anybody who has knowledge of any hooligan activity or other football-related matters to contact us and I would urge the public to use it."

The line will operate from 8am and will be manned before, during and for several hours after the game, which kicks off at noon.

Police are advising Burnley fans travelling to Ewood Park by coach to arrive for their coaches early.

They are also advising anyone not going to the match to avoid travelling on the A666 Bolton Road.