POLICE are gearing up for this weekend's Lancashire soccer derby following trouble between Burnley and Preston fans last year.

Officers are hoping to avoid a repeat of the scenes last December when a group of about 100 Clarets fans invaded the pitch following Burnley's goal in the 3-1 defeat by Preston at Deepdale.

Police requested the kick-off for the game to be moved to 12.30pm after last year's 5.35pm start time led to fans being given more time to drink before the game.

Police in both Preston and Burnley are also sending out letters to known trouble-makers this week warning them to steer clear.

Insp Richard Cox, of Preston Police's football planning office, said: "We did have some problems last year and that's one of the main reasons we asked the clubs to move the kick-off time forward, which they were happy to agree to.

"There will be extra teams of police on patrol at the match and in the city centre to make sure the game can be enjoyed by everyone who comes along. We expect a bigger crowd than for most matches and we would encourage people to come along and enjoy themselves, but the message for anyone bent on trouble is stay away."

Last year a disabled Burnley fan watching the game from the pitch-side in her wheelchair was left badly shaken by the incident.

One Burnley fan pushed Preston goalkeeper David Lucas and another stood 40 yards from the Preston goal with arms raised towards the Clarets fans, preventing the game re-starting. He was eventually rugby tackled by a steward in the Preston goalmouth as he tried to avoid being caught.

The incident prompted a smaller pitch invasion by Preston fans following their team's second goal.

There was also trouble in the city centre when after the match police dispersed a group of Preston and Burnley fans in the Meadow Street area, although there were no arrests.