A CAMPAIGN to crack down on anti-social behaviour has been highlighted by the Home Office as an example of "good practice".

Operation Red Card is featured in the Home Office Good Practice report "Working Together" which looks at ways of tackling anti-social behaviour like littering, dog fouling, graffiti and fly tipping.

The report will be circulated to local authorities, community safety partnerships and other organisations across the country involved in tackling anti-social behaviour.

Coun Denis Otter, Burnley Council's Executive member with responsibility for the environment, said: "It's pleasing that the hard work being carried out under Operation Red Card is being recognised by the Government and held up as an example of good practice for other places across the country to follow.

"We have achieved a lot under the campaign and that work is continuing to make the borough a cleaner, greener and safer place to live and work.

"Being featured in this Home Office guide just reinforces the message we are getting from local people that the work of Operation Red Card is needed, is making a difference and needs to be continued."

Sarah Schofield, the Council's head of Streetscene - a scheme to keep the town's streets safe and tidy - said: "We were asked by the Home Office to take part in a 100-day clean up campaign in March and we decided to call it Operation Red Card.

"We have significantly improved the way we tackle issues such as dog fouling, graffiti, fly tipping and abandoned cars. Being featured in this guide reinforces how Burnley is leading the way."

The report is being issued as part of the national Together campaign, a Government initiative to tackle anti-social behaviour. Last week the Home Office announced that Burnley was among 50 areas across the country which have been included.