Bobby Hope was shocked when police found almost 1,000 cannabis plants inside the former Netherton Hotel on Napier Avenue, South Shore.

The huge haul is believed to have a street value of hundreds of thousands of pounds.

During the raid, officers found plants growing under high powered lights in bedrooms, bathrooms and living quarters.

The property had been occupied by Chinese nationals since October and Mr Hope said he did not know what was going on.

Mr Hope said: "I would warn other hoteliers and landlords to be vigilant.

"With hindsight the signs were there for me to see.

"They changed the locks at the earliest opportunity and always delivered the cash to me at one of my other businesses.

"While it is comforting to receive regular income from rent, I'm now left with a potentially massive clean-up bill before I can do anything with the hotel."

Detectives believe the operation, which took over 12 of the hotel's 13 rooms, was into its second harvest when it was raided on Wednesday.

One man is now being questioned by police.

Officers are becoming increasingly worried organised crime gangs are targeting the Fylde coast.

In the last year alone, detectives have uncovered seven separate major growing operations, including the biggest cannabis factory ever discovered in Lancashire.

Many of the farms have been set up in either disused business premises or rented homes.

"We have a high number of rental properties in the town" said Det Sgt Sue Cawley of Blackpool CID.

"Most letting agents are responsible and we realise they have a business to run and can't make exhaustive checks on the background of everyone who comes in.

"But with check-ups on the properties they can avoid criminals thinking they have a blank cheque to do what they want – and possibly save thousands of pounds in damage being done to their premises.

"I have been told there is evidence that some of the cannabis produced here is being exported whereas you would expect it to remain local."

If any residents or business owners suspect a cannabis factory may have been set up in their community contact Blackpool CID on (01253) 293933 or Crimestoppers on (0800) 555111.