LIFE-SIZED puppets are to be used to get an anti-fly tipping message across to adults.

The puppets of a fly-tipper and a householder are already on film, having featured in a fourminute movie called On the Fly, produced by the Environment Agency and the Puppet Broadcasting Company, highlighting the damaging effects of fly-tipping on local communities.

The film, to be shown to building contractors, was shot on location at an identified fly-tipping hot spot near Middlesbrough's Transporter Bridge and on Stockton's Portrack housing estate.

On Thursday, the talking puppets will make a tour of streets in Middlesbrough, to spread the message that fly-tipping hits everyone in the pocket.

More than 12,000 incidents of fly-tipping were reported by Middlesbrough and Redcar and Cleveland councils and the Environment Agency, between January last year and June this year.

The clean-up cost taxpayers more than £800,000.

Businesses and households are being encouraged by the Environment Agency to use registered waste carriers - or risk a £5,000 fine.

Environment Agency campaign manager Gerald Lee said: "We are all paying the price for fly-tipping because we fund the costs of clearing up the mess through our council tax.

"By using the puppets, we hope to get our message across to a wider audience and use the film to educate the building trade about the need to get registered, and also the general public about only using an accredited contractor.

"As well as targeting the rogue traders who dump the waste, we want to make sure that householders and businesses know that if they don't check that their contractor is registered, then they could face a £5,000 fine if their waste is subsequently dumped."

To check whether a contractor is registered, call 08708-506506 or visit the Environment Agency website, www.environmentagency.gov.uk/publicregisters