YOBS spraying "silly string" and shaving foam are to be targeted at this year's Christmas lights switch-ons.

Town centre bosses and police in Burnley and Accrington have pledged to take a zero-tolerance approach against pranksters spoiling celebrations of revellers, warning they could be hit with £50 on the spot fines.

As well as being hit in the pocket troublemakers could also be arrested and have items confiscated.

PC Steve Hilton, who works for the Accrington town centre police team, said officers last year confiscated 80 cans as the town centre was covered in the spray.

He said: "It seems to have grown into some sort of tradition over the last four years to spray silly string, shaving foam and artificial snow at the Christmas lights switch on.

"It causes real problems and as well as being a mess for the council to clean up it also upsets a lot of people who are in the town to enjoy the festivities."

PC Faz Mahmed of Burnley Police added: "If you're one of the small minority of people who does want to cause trouble, you are clearly not welcome and will face appropriate police action."

Burnley's switch-on will take place this Thursday.

Guest of honour will be Father Christmas and there will be a Yuletide-themed play before the main event. Late night shopping will start the following week.

Accrington's start of the festive season will be held on November 23, at the town hall.

Hyndburn mayor Dr Mohammed Rahman will lead the ceremony and a Take That tribute act will perform.

Letters are being sent to shops in the area asking them to be responsible about who they sell items to in the run-up to the lights switch-on in another bid to limit the problem.

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