DESPERATE drivers racing for the last drops of petrol and diesel brought more problems to forecourts throughout Preston and Leyland this week.

As false reports of nationwide blockades filtered through to the region, panic buying added tension to an already unstable situation -- with some petrol stations having to put up notices saying that they were out of fuel.

It is believed a Welsh radio station fuelled the panic after airing rumoured information about more impending fuel blockades.

Queues quickly formed at petrol stations throughout Preston with Moor Road, Garstang Road and the Sainsbury's food store in Deepdale experiencing the brunt of the crisis. In Leyland, the town centre and the Leyland Lane area were brought to a virtual standstill with drivers out in force searching for filling stations.

Chief Inspector Peter Smith, from Lancashire Police, said: "There are no reports of any blockades and I'm told tankers are moving normally.

"Therefore, I would appeal to people not to panic buy."

Fire chiefs have reiterated their message for people not to store fuel in garages and garden sheds.

A spokesman for Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service added: "We just want to re-address the problem of hoarding fuel -- particularly in containers that are unsuitable.

"People who do this are creating a fire and explosion hazard.

Pictured here are vehicles queuing for fuel outside a petrol station on Moor Lane, Preston.