A WEED-BUSTING team is hitting the streets of Middlesbrough to keep the town looking spick and span.

Four quad bike-riding street cleaners will patrol their own patch and tackle problem areas to keep the town weed-free.

Bob Kerr, Middlesbrough Council's executive member for environment, said: "Weed growth is a problem in the streets of the town, but it's one we will not put up with any longer. Weeds are unsightly and create a bad impression to visitors to the town."

The streets will be monitored on a daily basis, using a system which helps pinpoint problem areas and identify the best solutions.