A Marske resident has claimed his town is playing second fiddle to Saltburn.

Eric Henderson, 78, has lived in Marske for 25 years and thinks the town is Saltburn's poor relation in terms of street cleaning, litter and weeds.

He praises the residents of Saltburn, who have taken a pride in their town and entered it in the Britain in Bloom competition, but thinks there is room for improvement in Marske.

He said: "The people of Marske are just a little envious of the better environmental quality of the neighbours."

Particular areas of concern are grass verges at Hummershill Lane that are cut but not tidied up, rubbish on the road from Errington Primary School to the library and floral displays in front of the shops being spoilt by weeds.

Mr Henderson said: "Perhaps a concerted effort can, at least, attempt to emulate the fine example of Saltburn."

Val Goodwill, treasurer of Marske Residents' Association, agreed with Mr Henderson but said a lot had been done in the 18 months since the organisation had been created.

"We are prepared to do the work and if people will back us the council will provide us with bags and gloves. It is getting people interested in Marske to do it."

But Joan Guy, chairman of Saltburn, Marske and New Marske Parish Council, refuted the claim that Marske is Saltburn's poorer neighbour.

She said the parish council has employed a parish warden for the past four years to assist with these kinds of problems.

"When I was down there it looked fine to me but if the people who live there think it needs a tidy up they should organise one. It is down to people in the town to want to do it," she said.

Anyone interested in helping with a Marske tidy up should call (01642) 472222