POLICE have this evening issued fines to people celebrating in breach of covid-19 regulations in Bolton.

Fixed penalty notices were served after officers discovered a wedding celebration in the borough, where there were 100 people gathered ­ and a 60th birthday party — breaking tough new laws to contain coronavirus after Bolton's infection remains continues to rise ­— and is the highest in the country.

Police told of details of the two incidents tonight, but did not reveal where in the town the parties were taking place.

It comes as police draft in extra resources to raise awareness of the importance of abiding by the regulations as well as enforcing them when necessary.

Earlier this week Superintendent Rick Jackson of Bolton police said: "We are following the four Es; engage, explain, encourage and enforce, if necessary.

“Businesses and members of the public want to support us as it is in their interest not to be in the restrictions."

But he added "where people are just flagrantly disregarding" the covid-19 rules, action will be taken.

Officers may not be as visible as they crack down on people flouting the rules in a softer approach that often proves effective.

Supt Jackson also said police are seeing people breaching the travel quarantine rules, including a 23-year-old man who was fined £1,000 after returning from Ibiza and holding a party.

Bolton is currently subject to additional restrictions but on Monday new laws will also come into force from Monday banning social gatherings of more than six people across England.