PUBS across East Lancashire have been issued special beer mats in an effort to crack down on domestic violence.

Police officers in the Pennine Division have been touring licensed premises in Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale to distribute the mats that urge drinkers not to stand for violence in the home.

From July to September last year there were 1, 058 reported incidents of domestic violence against men and women in the Pennine Division.

The campaign was launched by Chief Constable Pauline Clare and is sponsored by John Stephenson and Sons Ltd, the beer, wines and spirits distributors at Nelson.

Acting chief inspector Simon Leach said: "The consumption of alcohol is often a factor in incidents of domestic violence, which is why we chose to use local pubs and clubs to get our message across. The message is clear -- domestic violence will not be tolerated."

Domestic violence liaison officer PC Karen Kenworthy said: "We want victims of domestic violence to be able to come to us and feel confident that the police, in liaison with other agencies, will deal with the incident in a thorough, professional and sympathetic manner."