A COMMUNITY tip-off enabled police to discover a ‘sophisticated’ £15,000 cannabis farm in the loft of a Rossendale house.

Residents reported suspicious activity and the strong smell of cannabis to police during a recent Police and Communities Together meeting.

After obtaining a warrant, officers raided the house in Hill Top, Whitworth, and 38 mature cannabis plants were discovered in the loft.

The yield is expected to have an estimated street value of around £15,200, police said.

Investigating officers said the growing class B drugs can have a ‘serious impact’ on the community.

A police spokesman said: “This was a large and sophisticated cannabis factory. We know the serious impact drugs can have on a community and we will continue to do everything we can to remove them from our neighbourhoods.

“I urge anyone with information or suspicions about drugs to contact police.”

During the raid a 21-year-old woman and 43-year-old man, both from Whitworth, were quizzed about the drugs.

Police said the pair would will be reported for summons to Burnley Magistrates' Court.

Anyone with information can call police on 101.