MORE than 40 people were fined at the weekend as police saw a rise in the number of Covid-19 breaches being reported.

Officers said they experienced a rise in reports of people breaching Covid-19 regulations across Pendle, especially in Colne and Barnoldswick.

A spokesperson for the police said: "This weekend, we unfortunately experienced a rise in reports of people breaching current Covid-19 regulations across Pendle, particularly in Colne and Barnoldswick. This has resulted in over 40 fixed penalty notices being issued for a variety of different reasons.

"Lancashire remains in Tier 3 and whilst the regulations remain in place, we will continue to respond to reports of breaches, and when appropriate we will enforce those regulations. The regulations are in place to keep people safe during this difficult time.

"We fully appreciate that it has been a long hard year, but we absolutely cant give up now, if you arrange or attend parties or gatherings you are putting the lives of your friends, family and communities at risk.

"We encourage you to follow the regulations, so that we can get to a point in which we can put all of this behind us. Please keep going, as difficult as it might be.

"Thank you to those who continue to follow the rules, we really appreciate all of your efforts."

Tier 3 rules mean that households cannot meet with anyone who is not in their bubble either indoors or in a private outdoor space.

Households can socialise with up to six people in public outdoor spaces such as parks or beaches but social distancing rules must be followed.

The maximum fine a person can receive is £10,000 for the organiser of an illegal gathering.