REVELLERS are being warned that loutish behaviour tonight will result in on-the-spot fines of up to £60.

Pubs and clubs in East Lancashire are preparing for one of the busiest nights. And police are determined to ensure the area stays trouble free.

Many pubs appear to be offering free entry, although revellers were being advised to get tickets to avoid disappointment.

Tonight is expected to be extremely busy, despite the trend in recent years of people avoiding the queues and bringing in the New Year in private parties at home.

But police are refusing to be complacent and will be putting a higher than usual number of officers on the streets.

On-the-spot fines are typically issued in custody cells, but tonight officers will be endeavouring to hand them out on the street more frequently, as an extra deterrent.

Chief Inspector Jon Donnelly, who is co-ordinating the force's participation in the nationwide binge-drinking crackdown, said: "The message is that we would want everyone to have a great time.

"However our message to those who intent on spoiling others' enjoyment is that we will use the full force of our powers to ensure the safety of the majority."

Pubs and clubs are also gearing up for tonight. Sarah Clough, 19 landlady of Sam's Bar, in Keirby Walk, Burnley, said: "We are not charging because New Year's Eve is expensive enough. Some places charge on the door and even put the drinks prices up. which is scandalous."

Simon Scott, 36, owner of the Bier Huis, in Bank Parade, Burnley, added: "I would never charge anyone to come into the pub.

"Apart from nightclubs I would never pay to go somewhere I went 364 days a year."

Adrian Garner, who runs Bar Ibiza, Never Never Land, C'est La Vie and Crackerz in Blackburn town centre, said he was not charging any extra and added: "It is normally a good crowd out on New Year's Eve and we are looking forward to a good night."

A spokesman for Heaven and Hell nightclub, in Lords Square, Blackburn, said: "We are charging £10 for tickets or £12 at the door for our tie in with Galaxy FM, who will be broadcasting from the club from 10am till 3am."