A police force has issued a pledge to no longer require journalist to apply for press passes to cover events following union objections after an incident earlier this month.

The National Union of Journalists claims those who did not have a press pass from Lancashire Constabulary were denied access to cover a demonstration by the right-wing English Defence League in Blackburn on 2 April.

NUJ freelance organiser John Toner wrote to the force immediately and gained assurance it would not be issuing the passes again but would instead ask for recognised accreditation.

In response to his letter, assistant chief constable Andy Cooke wrote: “I would like to reassure you and your members that we will not be issuing a press pass again for this sort of event, but that we will be asking for recognised accreditation into controlled zones or areas.”

Mr Toner welcomed the response and said he had replied with copies of leaflets explaining the merits of the UK Press Card.

He said: “I have also asked the UK Press Card Authority to seek a meeting with the Association of Chief Police Officers who officially recognise the Press Card.

“We need to ensure that all police forces recognise the Press Card and provide access to bearers of the cards.”