SHOPS and businesses in Darlington are the latest target in a campaign to keep the town litter-free.

Over the next month, Darlington Borough Council will contact more than 400 businesses, asking them to help crack down on those drop rubbish.

For the past two years, the council has run the campaign, encouraging residents and visitors to rid the streets of litter.

Since it was launched, several hundred on-the-spot fines of £50 have been issued, and community litter picks and education programmes have been organised.

To mark the latest stage of the campaign - to clear up cigarette ends, foil, cellophane, matches and lighters - uniformed wardens were on patrol over the weekend in areas often affected by litter.

Businesses will be asked to encourage employees and shoppers to take a more responsible attitude towards such litter.

This could include:

* Displaying signs and posters reminding people not to drop litter in premises where cigarettes, and lighters are sold.

* Providing appropriate bins at entrances to premises.

* Cleaning up outside businesses.

* Working with staff and customers to discourage dropping litter.

The council has installed a number of cigarette bins and several litterbins throughout the town centre.

Over the weekend, the council held an awareness day in the market square.

Members of the primary care trust's smoking cessation team were also on hand to offer advice to smokers wishing to quit.

Bill Dixon, the council's cabinet member for community and public protection, said: "Litter makes Darlington look untidy. Discarded cigarette packets, lighters, cigarette ends and other smoking litter all adds to the problem and will not be tolerated.

"The council is asking town centre businesses to help it reduce the amount of this litter by encouraging employees and shoppers who smoke to dispose of their litter properly."