ECSTASY, cannabis and amphetamines have been recovered following the launch of an amnesty scheme in East Lancashire night spots.

The class A and B controlled drugs have been put in drugs amnesty safes at the Chicago Rock and The Works in Hammerton Street in Burnley.

The amnesty scheme was launched by Burnley police and the two night spots ten days ago.

So far 11 items have been put in the amnesty boxes taking the ecstasy, cannabis and amphetamine out of circulation.

The pioneering scheme is the first in East Lancashire and one of only a small number of similar projects throughout the country. It is hoped other town centre pubs and clubs will join the scheme. During the ten days, 14 clubbers who failed to make use of the safes were searched and found to be in possession of suspected drugs. They have either been charged with possession of illegal drugs and bailed to appear in court or cautioned.

Inspect John Clucas who is responsible for the Burnley east area including the town centre said: "We don't want people using and abusing drugs in Burnley's pubs and clubs which is why we launched the drugs amnesty as part of our Burnley Against Night-time Disorder (BAND) initiative.

"Although it is still early days I am encouraged by the number of people who have had the foresight to deposit their drugs in the safes.

"The fact that these class A and class B drugs are out of circulation can only be a good thing."

Those who didn't put their drugs in the safes were detained by door staff before being handed over to police for action.

He added: "We took positive action in each case and will continue to do so against those who use and abuse drugs."

Insp Clucas appealed for anyone with information about people who were supplying drugs in Burnley should contact local police on 01282 425001 or tell Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.