REAL life Hamburglars will have to steer clear of a Rossendale fast food restaurant after police announced plans to serve up crime prevention tips alongside the burgers and fries.

A series of advice clinics, dubbed 'McSurgeries' by police chiefs, will be held at the McDonald's restaurant in Rising Bridge from next month.

Holding the events in the burger bar, whose beacon characters are Ronald McDonald and his arch-enemy Hamburglar, is the brainchild of community beat officer Frank Aldred and is believed to be the first time such a venue has been used in East Lancashire.

PC Aldred, based in Rawtenstall, is hoping the lure of Big Mac and fries will boost the numbers attending police surgeries.

He is also hoping people put off by the thought of going to a police station to report crimes or look for crime advice will feel more at home in a burger bar.

He said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for people on my Worsley beat to come along and meet a local officer and share their worries.

"People are often concerned that they don't get chance to speak to officers so this is an ideal opportunity for them to do just that. I'm happy to answer any questions about crime and disorder or crime prevention and if I can't help with their particular concern then I will do my best to find someone who can.

"The other problem we have is that some people don't like visiting police stations. By holding the surgeries in a more familiar venue, we hope to encourage more people to come along and seek out that all important police advice."

General manager of the Rising Bridge McDonald's Tony Perez said: "Frank came and introduced himself and suggested holding the surgeries here as many local people come in as well as passing trade. We are part of the community and are glad to help."

The 'McSurgeries' will be held at the restaurant, in Blackburn Road, on June 2, July 7, August 4, September 1, October 6, November 3 and December 1, all from 2pm to 3pm.