Tickets were offered at more than four times their face value

Tickets for Glastonbury Festival are being bought and sold at their face value on a special website set up for the purpose.

The 2003 festival sold out in 24 hours and tickets, originally costing �105 each, were being sold for up to �1000 a pair soon after on the internet.

The exchange website, set up by a Glastonbury regular of 20 years, aims to beat the touts and remind people that the festival is a charitable event.

Festival organiser Michael Eavis has said he will cancel any tickets bought over the odds on the net, and posters are starting to appear in the region's pubs advising people not to turn up without an official ticket.

'Easy and safe'

Richard Marks, a hospital doctor and the man behind the website scarletmist, told BBC News Online that his site has brought the price of tickets down as it provides an opportunity to buy and sell at the cover price.

"The actual tickets are not in circulation yet, but when they are, I am expecting a real splurge on the site."

Scarletmist is recognised by the festival organisers, and promoted on their web page.

And security checks are in place to try and make sure the system is not abused.

"People need to know how easy, safe and private this system is," said Mr Marks.

The festival runs from Friday 27 to Sunday 29 June, with the gates opening at 0900 BST on 25 Wednesday.