AN anti-litter and dog fouling campaign has been hailed a success.

Eighteen fixed penalties were issued for littering and three for dog fouling during the week-long Don't Trash Richmondshire initiative.

Funded by the community safety partnership, the campaign also saw posters and a touring bus used to raise awareness.

Sean Little, the district council's head of environmental protection, said: "We got a very positive response.

"A recent Audit Commission report indicated we should do more to raise awareness of the issues involved.

"And a survey of the district's youngsters showed their concerns over dog waste in parks and on the streets.

"With a big red bus, eye-catching posters and a doggy mascot called Scoop we couldn't fail to make an impact."

The bus toured supermarkets and town centres in Richmond, Catterick Garrison, Leyburn and Hawes.

Residents and visitors were reminded that littering, including dropping cigarette butts and chewing gum, and failing to clean up after a dog was an offence.

Councillor Jill McMullon, who champions waste minimisation and recycling, said: "The campaign not only helped raise awareness, but also enabled us to gauge public awareness of legislation, support for a firm enforcement approach and identify litter hot-spots in our district."