A CANNABIS factory has been uncovered in a detached bungalow in Mellor.

Police said it was the first time a large haul of cannabis had been found in the Ribble Valley village.

Mainly elderly residents live in Hob Green and officers believe drug growers thought the street would provide a good cover.

But police were given an anonymous-tip off, prompting a PCSO to cycle past the property to check out the unusual smell reported.

Officers obtained a warrant and forced their way into the premises.

They found 49 plants with an estimated street value of £10,000 and a sophisticated heating, lighting, watering and air filtration system.

PC Jo Dolan, Mellor community beat manager said: “This is very rare. It seems the perpetrator has taken advantage of the fact that this is an elderly residential area thinking that he would get away with it.

"Although this is a rural location, it is policed and information does come into us. I do not want this type of criminal activity in a respectable area with people thinking that it is an easy target.

"This is the first time we have had such a large haul in the area and we will combat crime and take a positive approach to any information that we receive."

Nobody was at the address when it was raided early on Wednesday morning. However police later arrested man in connection with the find.

Residents living on the street near the Whalley Methodist Church expressed their shock at the discovery.

Raymond Brindle, 80, said: "I was watching TV and then the next time I looked outside there were police everywhere. You really don't expect something like this in Mellor because it's such a quiet nice place.

"We had no idea that this was going on and the first we knew of it was when we saw the police carrying the plants outside."

Another resident said: "It is very shocking to think this was going on in Mellor. I have never seen anything like it before."