DOG owners are being urged to support ongoing efforts to promote their town as a tourist destination by cleaning up after their pets.

The appeal has been issued by council officials in Hartlepool to coincide with National Poop Scoop Week, an initiative by the Dogs Trust - formerly the National Canine Defence League.

Craig Thelwell, the council's neighbourhood action manager, said: "A lot of effort has gone into improving the town's image in recent years, and clean beaches are vital to the continued growth of our tourism industry."

The council has installed four Dog Stops, which incorporating a bio-degradable poop scoop dispenser and a dog dirt bin, on the promenade at Seaton Carew, and there are plans for four on the seafront at the Headland.

Mr Thelwell said: "The Dog Stops at Seaton Carew are certainly being well used by most owners, and we are delighted with their success. Hopefully, they will have a similar impact on the Headland.

"Dog owners have never had an excuse for failing to remove any mess left by their pets, but the Dog Stops mean it is now easier than ever to clean up.

"National Poop Scoop Week will last for just that -seven days -but it is important that all owners accept their responsibilities whenever and wherever they take their dogs out for a walk."

Irresponsible owners could be fined £50, and are also being warned to ensure they observe an annual beach dog ban, which began on May 1 and runs until October.

It takes in the beach at Seaton Carew, between the pumping station and the steps just north of the old North Shelter, and the Fish Sands and Block Sands on the Headland.