Ben Williams was exploring the disused railway opposite Cross Bank, which is due to be turned into Padiham's linear park, when he and a friend came across the stash.

He returned to his Herbert Street home to tell his mum, Donna. "Thankfully, he did not touch any of the dirty needles or tablets and just came home and told me about them. I was very concerned though because lots of children play on the disused railway and I want other parents to know this is the sort of stuff being dumped down there. It would be terrible if a child fell on one of these because we don't know what diseases might be on them," she said.

Pockets of rubbish have been dumped by fly-tippers along the route which is to become a path and cycle route from Rosegrove to Padiham's Memorial Park. There are armchairs, mattresses, glass bottles, cans, books, toys, bags of household rubbish and food as well as dog dirt.

"I've always thought that it was the safest place for children to place because it's away from the road and is not too far from home. But I'm not so sure now," Mrs Williams added.

The drugs paraphernalia was removed the following day.

Mayor of Padiham Coun. Mark Jinkinson said: "I would appeal to residents to be vigilant and report anyone who is seen fly-tipping. It is in everyone's interest to keep the area in top condition. The linear park is key to the regeneration of Padiham and is being created for everyone. We don't want people abusing it."

Anyone with information about fly-tippers should ring Burnley Council's hotline 0845 605 2222.