A CAMPAIGN to raise awareness of badger baiting has been launched by police in Bolton.

Posters have been placed in parks and woodland across the town and leaflets are available from police stations.

The crackdown is running to coincide with National Badger Day (June 15).

Sgt Jim Nisbet, Greater Manchester Police's wildlife liaison officer for Bolton, said cases of badger baiting had been reported in the past in Harwood and on Smithills Moor.

He said: "Baiters mainly use bull terriers, lurches or small dog breeds such as Jack Russells. Badger fighting dogs will bear distinctive wounds, often to the bottom jaw.

"We do get calls, about one a month, from people telling us that they have seen people with dogs and spades going into woods.

"Then the next thing we know is that a popular badger set with a lot of the animals inside has been destroyed." Police in Bolton have vowed to work closely with the RSPCA to prosecute anyone found harming the protected species.

Across the country, people will be taking part in fund-raising events on Saturday to raise money for the National Federation of Badger Groups.

The registered charity promotes the animals' conservation, protection and welfare.

If you think you have witnessed badger-baiting, contact Greater Manchester Police on 0161 872 5050.