POLICE have warned participants and spectators at a major Orange Order parade in Argyll that sectarian behaviour and drinking in public will see them fined or arrested.

Around 6,000 members of the organisation, bandsmen and supporters will gather in Helensburgh tomorrow for the County Grand Orange Lodge Parade. The event has been met with months of local opposition and calls to reverse the decision to allow it to go ahead.

With Orange Lodge stewards marshalling the Boyne Celebrations procession, police officers will focus on street drinking, anti-social and sectarian behaviour. Chief Superintendent Barry McEwan, Divisional Com-mander for Argyll and West Dunbartonshire, who is overseeing the operation, said: "As always, sectarian behaviour will not be tolerated and anyone committing any form of hate crime including name calling or making offensive gestures or people who commit acts of violence, will be arrested.

"As most people should be aware by now, drinking in public is banned. Don't risk it as officers will seize it from you and you will be given a fixed penalty notice for street drinking."

Around 60 coaches will ferry participants to the event.