Police visited pubs and clubs in Accrington with a sniffer dog this weekend as part of a major crackdown on drug taking.

They searched 13 premises in the town centre during Operation Drogue.

Officers were handed two packets of white tablets, thought to be ecstasy, which had been found and confiscated by a landlord.

PC Mike Simpson, Accrington town centre beat manager, said no other drugs were found in any of the pubs or clubs.

He said: "We carried out the operation to try to reduce violent crime incidents over the bank holiday weekend. Our aim was to spread the message about how we won't tolerate drugs in pubs and clubs."

He added: "I'm satisfied with how it went. Drug taking isn't as common as we thought it was in Accrington town centre.

"It was good that the landlords appreciated the support we showed them too.

Officers visited 13 premises in total including Grants Bar, The Nags Head, The Bridge, Bailey's, The Calder, The Railway and Level One during a three-hour period on the evening of Friday, August 24.

The surfaces in the toilets were wiped and tested for cocaine and evidence of drug taking. But all of the pubs and clubs were clear and no arrests were made.

Officers were joined by police dog Alfie, a Cocker Spaniel, who was sniffing out potential drugs.

Landlords welcomed the crackdown and praised the police for being pro-active.

The Operation Drogue crackdown is set to be carried out in other parts of East Lancashire.