POLICE in Burnley have a new recruit to tackle drug users in the town – a two-year-old springer spaniel.

Drugs dog Max will be joining night-time patrols of pubs and clubs in the town to help police identify people who may be carrying drugs.

The latest recruit joined officers on Saturday night and visited 20 pubs and clubs to help sniff out those carrying drugs and to deter others from using or carrying them.

During the night officers searched 23 people, and found no drugs.

Sergeant Michelle Dixon, licensing officer at Lancashire Police, said: “Once again, Max proved to be a fantastic deterrent. It’s very positive that we aren’t finding many drugs and I hope action such as this helps to reassure members of the public.

“We will not tolerate drugs being used and sold in and around licensed premises and where we have information that this is happening we will take action. We have a duty to protect people from the harm caused by drugs.”

The operation was funded by the BAND scheme – Burnley Against Night-time Disorder.

The group is managed by town licensees, with Burnley Council and the town centre police team, and is aimed at keeping the town centre safe.

Anyone with information or concerns about drugs can contact police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.