A LARGE-SCALE security operation swung into action in readiness for the royal visit to East Lancashire today.

Police stepped up their presence at Finsley Gate wharf, Burnley, where the Queen's barge was moored on the Leeds Liverpool canal.

Officers carried out security checks in the area where the Queen, Prince Phillip and Prince Charles will start their official tour of the town.

A spokesman said: “A royal visit on this scale requires a significant amount of planning to ensure the safety of both our royal guests and the local residents who wish to go to Burnley and Accrington to see them.”

Thousands of people are expected to welcome the royal party to Burnley and Accrington as part of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

After a trip along the canal to see some of the historic buildings at the Weaver's Triangle, the royals will meet young people from the Prince Charles' charities before a tour of Burnley College.

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh will then enjoy lunch, hosted by Clarets chairman Barry Kilby, in the Jimmy McIlroy stand at Turf Moor before they leave Burnley to visit Accrington.