CREWE'S Carnival day atmosphere was marred by more than a dozen arrests for alcohol-fuelled offences.

Fourteen people were detained following Saturday's celebrations on charges ranging from being drunk and disorderly to causing criminal damage.

The arrests follow a police crack-down on violent and rowdy behaviour in town centres across Cheshire during the summer months, code named Operation Yellow Card.

In all more than 30 officers were drafted in to patrol Crewe town centre following the festivities which saw more than 30,000 people line the streets.

Inspector Christine Morrall, who was in charge of Saturday's operation, said: 'It was a shame that the carnival atmosphere in the town was spoiled by a few un-fortunate drink-related incidents.

'However, I can confirm we were able to respond firmly to ensure the community was able to enjoy the festivities.'

On the previous night two men were arrested as the special campaign focussed on curbing booze-fuelled disturbances in Nantwich town centre.

Officers had warned revellers that anti-social behaviour would not be tolerated before detaining the men for a range of charges including possession of an offensive weapon.

Inspector Cathy Wright, who led the operation, said: 'It has been welcomed by both the licensees and visitors to the area as, although Nantwich does not have a great problem regarding public disorder, it only takes a small number of people displaying anti-social behaviour to cause problems.'

Last weekend 16 people were arrested in the borough as part of the campaign in which officers brandish yellow cards to drinkers as a final warning.

Four of the arrests last weekend were in connection with an alleged serious assault on a 35-year-old man.