SCARBOROUGH boxing hero and dog lover Paul Ingle is helping an environmental clean-up campaign to pack a punch.

Paul is launching National Poop Scoop Week in the town on Monday and is aiming to encourage dog owners to clean up after their pets.

He said: "I am a dog lover and, like many other people, I enjoy taking my dog out.

"But for the sake of keeping a healthy environment it is important that owners clean up after their dogs and I'm happy to support this week."

Scarborough Borough Council's dog warden service is backing the awareness week, which is being run by the National Canine Defence League.

The authority has a series of bylaws covering dog control and fouling and, from November, is planning to include the entire borough under legislation which means owners would face fines of up to £1,000 if their pets foul areas covered by the regulations.

These areas will include land which the public has access to, such as sports pitches, beaches, cemeteries, play areas, village greens and common land.

The council's principal environmental health officer, Steve Pogson, said: "This awareness week is a very valuable initiative in driving home the message that cleaning up after your pet is the owner's responsibility.

"It is important that that message gets across if we want to keep a clean and tidy environment.

"We are grateful to Paul Ingle for his support."