PUPILS have been told to stop dropping litter on their way to and from school or risk being fined.

New bylaws introduced in east Durham mean children as young as ten could be fined or even brought before the courts for dropping litter.

Among the problem areas to be patrolled by litter wardens in Seaham is the route between Seaham School of Technology, the town park and local shops, following complaints over rubbish in the vicinity.

As a result, the school's headteacher, Bob Dingle, has warned pupils against dropping litter. He outlined his concerns over the litter blackspots in a newsletter to parents.

Mr Dingle urged youngsters visiting shops on the way to school on mornings and at lunch time to take their litter home with them.

He wrote: "There is a huge amount of litter dropped on the way back from the shops.

"I'm informed that the fines for litter are now large and the litter warden will be on patrol shortly.

"The school will provide support in identifying any pupil dropping litter. You have been warned."

Seaham Town Council, which maintains the park, has also raised concerns.

Mr Dingle has also given warnings in school assemblies.

He has asked the school council for suggestions to tackle the problem, and is considering photographing the rubbish to highlight the level of the problem.

The school's action plan also includes looking at reducing the time youngsters spend out of the school and developing a rota to clean up rubbish round the school site, to prevent it blowing into the park.

Mr Dingle may also be speaking to the school's meals provider to consider reducing packaging.

There may also be a penalty system for pupils dropping litter inside and outside school grounds.

Mr Dingle has written to the town council outlining the steps he is taking to address the problem.