PUB goers who take cocaine could find themselves exclud-ed from a borough’s pubs and clubs.

High-tech ‘magic torch’ devices which reveal traces of the drug on hands and faces have now been given to door staff at venues in Hyndburn.

Police officers behind the scheme have not revealed which pubs and clubs are taking part in the pilot scheme, but say that if successful it will be rolled out across the borough.

Neighbourhood officers are hoping that door staff will find the torches useful in helping keep premises drug-free.

When shone on cocaine traces, the torch highlights the drug as a bright green colour.

The torches have already been used in Blackburn to prevent suspected drug users from entering nightclubs.

As well as being used to check for drugs, the torches also have another setting which can be used to check bank notes and driving licences.

Some of the torches, have been funded by the Hyndburn Pub Watch Scheme, will be kept for police use but eight have been given to licensees.