STREET cleaners are getting to grips with one of the Hambleton district's stickier problems.

They are out on the streets of Thirsk and Stokesley with a team of gumbusters to rid the towns of discarded chewing gum.

Advanced machinery is being used to give problem areas a deep steam clean, getting rid of caked-on gum, food waste and grease.

The clean-up is part of Hambleton District Council's policy to improve the street scene across the whole district. Gumbusters last tackled all the market towns a year ago.