POLICE have uncovered a cannabis factory containing more than 1,000 plants in a derelict factory in a rural East Lancashire village.

The farm was found at the factory in Shawforth, Rossendale, after police were called by an electricity provider just before 10am on Thursday, July 7.

They had a warrant to enter the factory in Market Street to turn of its supply, when they found the huge grow of Class B drugs.

Along with the plants, extensive electrical equipment was also found to support the growing of the illicit plants.

No arrests have been made in relation to the farm and police enquiries are ongoing.

Sergeant Mick Johnson, of Burnley and Rossendale Police, said: "The activities of drug dealers can have a dramatic impact on our communities.

"It can ruin lives and instil fear in our neighbourhoods and we are determined to tackle that.

"The local community is a vital source of intelligence, and I would urge anyone with any information about this discovery to contact us and help us to tackle drug crime."

Anyone who has information about this discovery is asked to contact police by calling 101, quoting log number 321 of July 7, or can be reported anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.