AS part of preparations for the World Cup, Cheshire Police has seized the passports of Northwich, Winsford and Middlewich residents who are subject to Football Banning Orders.

Four people from Northwich, one from Winsford and one from Middlewich were among 35 offenders across the county who received letters to remind them that they were required to surrender their passports.

Football Intelligence officers then contacted each offender individually to reaffirm the requirements of the banning orders and the implications of not complying with the orders.

Chief Superintendent Sarah Boycott said: "Disorderly or violent behaviour in Cheshire during the World Cup could result in a football banning order being applied for by the Police, if the offenders are convicted of an offence related to the tournament celebrations.

"We hope that everyone enjoys the tournament and gets behind the England team, but we will respond robustly to anyone committing offences or acting in an anti-social manner."

Football Banning Orders are part of specific football legislation. The legislation requires that anyone on a banning order must surrender their passport to the police 10 days before an international football tournament begins.

The order also states that offenders can only collect it the day after the tournament ends - whether England get to the final or not.

The orders, which last a minimum of three years, can be granted by the courts when someone is convicted of a football related offence. They are issued to help to prevent violence and disorder at or in connection with football matches both home and abroad.

In addition to passport surrender, offenders must inform police if they move house. Courts can also impose numerous other conditions, such as being excluded from certain areas on match days.

One Cheshire resident failed to surrender his passport on time - a 30-year-old man from Runcorn, who was subsequently arrested on Sunday, June 8.