POLICING the visit of Prince William and Kate Middleton to East Lancashire days before their wedding cost just over £1,000 extra, it has been revealed.

The entire operation on Monday, April 11, involved officers working 803 hours arranged as part of their normal shifts, rather than relying on overtime.

Figures released to the Lancashire Telegraph under a Freedom of Information Act request revealed the only additional cost to the Constabulary as a direct result of the Royal visit was an overtime bill of just £115, vehicle hire of £257 and subsistence for officers of £677 - a total bill of £1,049.

Thousands of people from East Lancashire and beyond gathered to see their last royal engagement before their April 29 wedding.

Police resources on the day were worth around £21,000 and ensured the celebrations passed off peacefully.

There was not one single arrest in connection with the visit and the force made no application for help with covering the expense of the day.

Prince William and his then bride-to-be officially opened Darwen Aldridge Community Academy and later spoke to crowds, watched events and signed the Deed of Dedication to protect Witton Country Park, Blackburn.

The response confirmed that key locations in Blackburn with Darwen were searched for explosive devices as part of standard proceedures.

A force spokesman said: “A search operation was completed following the advice of a POLSA (Police Search Advisor). The search was commensurate with the assessed threat level and involved a number of different search techniques at locations connected to the Royal Visit.”

The constabulary would not confirm or deny if they received any threats to the Royal couple, but stated that the Metropolitan Police took the lead on protecting the Royal family.

Lancashire officers were tasked with ensuring the safety of the crowds and supporting the Met if any direct threats against Prince William and Kate were received.