DRUG users in pubs and clubs in the run-up to Christmas will be lucky to escape the long nose of the law as part of a new crackdown.

Three-year-old springer spaniel Oscar is the latest weapon to be deployed by police in Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale in their bid to keep nightspots cocaine and cannabis free.

Inquisitive Oscar, who works with PC Leanne Mankowski, has already notched up three early victories in a single night on patrol.

He sniffed out cocaine belonging to a 37-year-old man at a Burnley pub - he was later cautioned for drugs possesion.

Later a 20-year-old woman was given an £85 fixed penalty notice after Oscar unearthed a piece of cannabis in her handbag.

Police also warned a 41-year-old man for a similar offence after cannabis resin was pinpointed in a tin he was carrying.

Insp Tom Riley said: “The checks were carried out with the full support of licensees and we received a positive response from the majority of people who were using the pubs we visited.

“We will not tolerate drugs being used and sold in licensed premises and where we have information that this is happening we will take action.”

Further checks are planned by PC Mankowski and Oscar throughout the festive season.