Two characters in Coronation Street are to be seen smoking cannabis, it has been revealed.

The offending pair will be Rovers Return staff member Vernon Tomlin and teenager Darryl Morton. According to the Daily Mirror they will get caught sharing joints in a back yard.

Sources at the show told the paper they realised the scenes may prove controversial. "We've tackled controversial issues before but showing drugs being used was not a decision made lightly and was taken at the highest level," explained one. "We know some viewers could be offended."

Kieran Roberts, executive producer, added: "Not all stories are to the taste of all our viewers. But the vast majority of the time we get it right.

"We do not set out to shock and sensationalise. We're looking for interesting stories and characters. I'm very proud of how we tell stories and the care with which we construct characters, relationships and incidents."

The scenes, filmed already, are due to air in April.