SMOKERS will be encouraged to dispose of their litter responsibly this weekend.

Darlington Borough Council's environmental and recycling teams will be highlighting the problem of smoking- related litter on Saturday.

Officers will be in the Market Square throughout the day to hand out free portable ashtrays, while uniformed wardens will patrol the town centre issuing on-the-spot fines to litter louts.

Members of Darlington Primary Care Trust's smoking cessation team will also be available at the anti-litter stand, with information and guidance for people wanting to give up smoking.