Holly will sniff out drugs at V

On Saturday, an estimated 150,000 music lovers will descend on Hylands Park for the annual V Festival, and police have vowed to crack down on troublemakers.

Highly-trained dogs are being brought in from a private firm from Oxford to sniff out illegal drugs, while hundreds of uniformed and plain-clothed officers will be on patrol.

Sgt Andy Sawyer said: "We want everyone to have fun and enjoy the music. But be assured, anyone found in possession, or dealing with drugs, will be dealt with by police.

"Their passes will be taken away, and they will be ejected from the park."

Supt Tim Stokes, police co-ordinator, said extensive CCTV would be in operation, but he advised festival-goers to leave valuables at home.

He said: "Unfortunately, it does attract a small minority of people looking to sell drugs, peddle illegal merchandise and steal belongings."

Last year saw a slight increase in drug and driving offences compared to 2005, although this was still low considering the crowd of 150,000.

This year's festival will feature the hottest acts in the music world, including the Killers, the Kooks, Foo Fighters, Amy Winehouse, Lily Allen and Snow Patrol.

An army of 1,200 workers is currently transforming the park, which hosted 40,000 scouts for the World Scout Jamboree just over a week ago.

V Festival organiser Dawn Woodhouse said: "It has given us a shorter time, but we know our contractors are pulling out all the stops to ensure we are ready."

Organisers have also moved to assure punters all the promoted acts will be appearing, amid concerns Lily Allen and Amy Winehouse may cancel.

An event spokesman said Lily was expected to recover from illness in time, adding they had no reason to suspect Amy would not show up.

He said: "V Festival have not been informed by either Amy Winehouse's record company or management she will not be appearing at the festival.

The festival will run at Hylands Park and at Weston Park, Staffordshire, on Saturday and Sunday.