A MAN with a megaphone will leave litter bugs in no doubt over the error of their ways if they drop rubbish.

Megaphone Man is Middlesbrough's new champion in the fight for litter-free streets.

He will use his megaphone to loudly remind people what litter bins are for - and to praise people he sees acting responsibly.

Councillor Bob Kerr, Middlesbrough Council's executive member for the environment, said: "Our latest survey shows that more than 80 per cent of our streets reach a good level of cleanliness - against 60 per cent a year ago.

"But there's still a minority of people who display a shocking disregard for the environment that we all share, and drop their litter, rather than using a nearby bin or taking it home with them.

"Their days are numbered - we are on their case and Megaphone Man will be reminding people that public money can be spent on better things than cleaning up after them.

"Offenders who won't change their ways can expect to get a £50 fixed penalty notice."

Megaphone Man will be swooping into the town centre and across neighbourhoods.

He will be backed by more 100 security cameras across the town. They will record any littering and the council will publish the photographs of offenders, inviting the public to identify them so that they can be dealt with.

"Megaphone Man would much rather issue prizes to the people he sees using the litter bins - and, thanks to his loud hailer, he'll make sure everyone is aware of this, too."