NEW government proposals to introduce registration and safety awareness courses for owners of small unmanned ‘drone’ aircrafts have been welcomed in East Lancashire.

They will affect anyone who flies an aircraft weighing more than 250 grams.

The draft regualtions announced this weekend have been welcomed by Chris Boardman, chairman of the Blackburn and District Model Aircraft Club.

The organisation earlier urged people wishing to fly drones go to them or their equivalents to learn how to do it safely.

Its April plea came as new figures showed complaints about the unmanned aerial devices had soared.

In Lancashire, reports to police had surged from seven to 159 in three years, a 22-fold increase.

There is no time frame or firm plans as to how the new rules will be enforced and the Department of Transport admitted ‘the nuts and bolts still have to be ironed out”.

The drone safety awareness test will involve potential flyers having to “prove that they understand UK safety, security and privacy regulations’.

The plans also include the extension of geo-fencing, in which no-fly zones are programmed into drones around prisons and airports.

Mr Boardman said: “This new regulations are welcome news. They are a step in the right direction towards the safe flying of drones.

“There are many model aircraft clubs across the country, including one in Burnley, with experience of flying such devices.

“Anyone thinking of flying a drone, privately or commercially, should come to us or one of our equivalents fro training, advice and guidance on using them safely.”

The proposed new rules would bring private flyers of drones into line with commercial operators.

In April Blackburn and District Model Aircraft Club secretary Kevin Watson said: "The British Model Flying Association, and affiliated model clubs like Blackburn, are able to inform, guide, insure, teach and test amateur recreational model pilots.

“Our long-established club is able to guide the novice on all aspects of model flying.

“We would urge ‘drone’ pilots to come and talk us and tap in to our wealth of experience.We have instructors and examiners to help pilots achieve high levels of competency and proficiency.”