Wombwell has become the first area in South Yorkshire to introduce an alcohol free zone in a bid to reduce violent crime and anti-social behaviour.

Anyone who refuses to hand over alcohol to police could be arrested and fined up to �500, Barnsley Council said.

The ban, approved by the authority last month, covers designated parks, car parks and streets in the town.

Street signs notifying the public were put up on Thursday, with the ban coming into effect at 0000 BST on Good Friday.

The drink-free zone has been approved by the local authority under powers granted by the 2001 Criminal Justice and Police Act.