GANGSTERS, violence, fake designer gear and undercover operations - it's all in a day's work for the hardy staff of Lancashire's Trading Standards office.

The Preston-based service will go under the spotlight for the Channel Four fly-on-the-wall documentary An Inspector Calls.

Next week's programme focuses on investigator Tim Coglan and his battle to combat phoney designer clothes, which he says is 'on a par with drug dealing'.

And he likens it to gangster-type violence: "Rivals in counterfeiting groups in this area have actually been crucified, actually nailed to a wall."

Some of the less brutal business of Trading Standards is done by Philip Whalley who scrutinises weights and measures in shops and supermarkets.

Viewers will also see one officer posing as a member of the public with a faulty washing machine - will the electrician make the right diagnosis?

Chief trading standards officer Jim Potts said: "Some traders were taken aback when they saw us accompanied by the cameras but they were quickly reassured.

"We want to show the whole spectrum of our work, from our high profile raids to advising the public on everyday issues."

The programme is on next Wednesday (March 19) at 8.30pm.

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