DOZENS of people had their booze confiscated by police trying to prevent a Ribble Valley town's annual festival being wrecked by drink-fuelled violence.

But despite seizing - and disposing of - a large haul of alcohol on the streets of Longridge, Ribble Valley's police chief today expressed disappointment at the number of arrests made.

Inspector Bob Ford's officers maintained a high presence throughout Longridge Field Day, which was held on Saturday and normally attracts thousands of people.

A procession through the town centre - and past many of the main pubs in the town - is normally a big attraction, with drinkers bringing their booze on to the pavements.

But the new street-drinking ban, secured by the police in conjunction with Ribble Valley Council, means that officers have the power to get rid of alcohol being drunk by people in designated areas.

Longridge, along with Clitheroe, Whalley and several smaller villages, all have the ban in place.

Insp Ford said: "Dozens of people had booze taken off them during the day because people can't drink on the streets. We wanted it to be a day which passed off peacefully and the street-drinking ban enables us to make sure people feel safe in the town.

"Unfortunately, despite this, there were still a number of arrests. Two people were arrested for drinking and driving, while six people were arrested for public order offences.

"That is disappointing because it shows some people weren't sensible with their drink, and it means that their actions spoilt the day for some of the other people who attended."

Under the street drinking legislation - which has led to similar bans in larger towns across East Lancashire - people who refused to hand of alcohol can be arrested and fined by magistrates.

Insp Ford said officers intended to enforce the bans throughout the summer.

The Rev Chris Sterry, a Whalley councillor, welcomed that announcement.

He said: "Last year it wasn't enforced in Whalley, and that led to a lot of drinking in the village centre, which intimated older members of the community. It will be good to see it enforced over the summer."