PATROLS are to be mounted in a town centre to try to curb the problems caused by litter louts.

Neighbourhood wardens and police community support officers will be in Chester-le-Street on Friday to launch an anti-litter campaign.

They will be patrolling the streets to remind people of the fixed penalty fines of up to £80 associated with dropping rubbish and handing out stubbi pouches, pocket-sized reusable ashtrays that can be safely used to put out a lit cigarette before placing it in a bin.

Belinda Snow, education and enforcement manager with Durham County Council, said: "The council is working hard to reduce the amount of litter on the streets to make our county cleaner.

"We especially want to get the message across to smokers as the marks left by stubbing a cigarette out on a floor are both unsightly and difficult to remove."

To coincide with the launch, the council’s civic pride officers will deliver educational talks at schools in the area to raise awareness of littering among youngsters, particularly the damaging environmental effects of discarding rubbish.

To report litter offences contact Durham County Council on 0300 123 7070.