POLICE have issued the far-right British National Party with a "behave yourself" warning before its annual carnival this weekend.

And extra police officers will be drafted into the Ribble Valley to enforce a 5km exclusion zone around the carnival site.

Police today said a restriction order would also prevent large groups of Anti-Nazi League protesters getting near the carnival field off the A59 near Sawley.

The move came as comedian Bernard Manning revealed that he was pulling out of the event as a result of pressure from fellow comedians.

Supt Warren Turner of Lancashire Police said: "We have issued the organisers of the festival with a letter outlining expected standards of behaviour. It is not a contract and there is no legal framework by which we could get them to sign anything.

"We have just held detailed discussions with everyone concerned to advise on their safety and the safety of the community.

"The carnival is a private meeting being held on private premises and the Anti-Nazi League wishes to express its opposition.

"We will allow it to do so, but there will be restrictions in place to prevent any disorder and minimise disruption to the public.

"The safety of demonstrators and people using this busy stretch of road over the weekend is one of our paramount concerns.

Supt Turner declined to say how many officers would be drafted in to police the area around Sawley during Saturday and Sunday's event.

Manning, who had been given top billing at the festival on Saturday, announced today that he was pulling out of the event.

His agent, Chris Graham, said: "The amount of pressure he's been put under to pull out has been unbelievable. It's a shame for everyone involved.

"He was looking forward to appearing at the festival, but has got to think of his family. This was a well-organised event and just another job to Bernard. This is a very sad state of affairs."

Last year's event, also in Sawley, took place without any violence. BNP spokesman Phil Edwards added: "It's a shame that Bernard has been denied his freedom of choice in this way."

Anti-Nazi League spokesman Debbie Jack said protesters would mount a dignified demonstration at the event in response to the needs of the local community.

The festival has been advertised as a family event, featuring a bouncy castle, Punch and Judy show, fireworks display and numerous stalls selling British produce.

British National Party leader Nick Griffin is also expected to attend.