A NATIONAL campaign to cut down on smoking-related litter is being pioneered in Darlington.

The town is one of only ten areas in the country to be chosen to lead the campaign, aimed at reducing the number of cigarette ends being dropped on the ground.

Keep Britain Tidy is leading the campaign, which follows the ban on smoking in enclosed public places.

Smoking-related litter is the UK's biggest waste problem and the source of about 75 per cent of litter dropped in Darlington.

Shoppers will be targeted with free disposable ashtrays during the two-week campaign.

Wardens will visit businesses in the town, to discuss smoking-related litter and to help identify staff smoking areas.

Fines are already handed out in Darlington to anyone seen dropping a cigarette on the ground and environmental wardens regularly patrol the town centre and other hotspots to deter offenders.

Councillor Bill Dixon, the council's cabinet member for neighbourhood services and community safety, said: "Smoking-related litter is a huge problem across the country and I am delighted that Darlington has been chosen to help lead this national campaign. We will be working to make sure there are enough places to dispose of cigarettes responsibly and to let people know that cigarette butts are litter and they will be fined if they throw them on the ground."

"The council and local businesses have spent a fortune improving the town centre and it's a real pity that a few people can't use the ashtrays provided. There's no need for it.

"We had the Rhythm'n'Brews festival here on Sunday, and we had several hundred people in the town centre.

"The majority of those weren't smoking, but it only takes a handful of people to spoil it for everyone else."

The free ashtrays will be handed out in the town centre and distributed by selected pubs and businesses.