Lava and Ignite, in Hammerton Street, is the first locally to use the new metal detector, bought by Lancashire Constabulary to combat late-night anti-social behaviour.

With knife crime and violent attacks rising nationally, club bosses were keen to show late-night revellers that knives or anti-social behaviour would not be tolerated.

The giant archway metal detector was set up at the club entrance from Friday until Sunday. PC Faz Mahmed said: "We are extremely grateful to Lava and Ignite for letting us trial the metal detector there.

"All clubs were two years ago given hand-held metal detecting scanners but the force has now brought in two of these archway metal detectors. We set them up, stayed with the staff for a hour and then just left them with them for the weekend."

He went on: ""Customers saw the detectors as they entered the club and showed an interest in what we were doing. It shows people we are treating the threat of knife crime seriously and doing our utmost to reduce crime within the town centre."

Mr Christopher Nutter, at Lava and Ignite, said: "We are always happy and willing to help the police tackle anti-social behaviour within the town centre. It demonstrates we are making our customers' safety a priority and shows them they can feel safe and enjoy themselves when they come out for a night at the club."