A SOPHISTICATED cannabis farm has been uncovered in a raid on a detached family home.

The discovery of the drugs factory at the house in Beaumont Drive, Ladybridge, is the 20th made by police in Bolton in the last five months.

Officers found that up to 800 plants were being grown in every room of the property.

A complicated system of lights, fans and vents were being used to keep the plants healthy.

Five men were arrested at the scene and are being questioned by police.

A neighbour in Beaumont Drive said: "The police have been here since this morning and as people arrived at the house in a car, they were arrested outside."

Detectives in Bolton are working to find the ringleaders of a multi-million-pound drugs growing operation who they believe have been responsible for setting up cannabis farms across the town.

Det Chief Insp George Fawcett said: "We will continue to crack down on these places. We are disrupting organised crime and have seized thousands of plants and tens of thousands of pounds worth of equipment."

Members of the public and landlords are being urged to contact police if they believe properties are being used to grow cannabis.

Police say indicators include sealed windows, noise from fans and gardening equipment, and fans and electrical supplies being taken inside homes.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 0161 856 5761 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.