BUSINESSES are being invited to add their backing to a new tidy-up initiative on Redcar High Street.

Fifteen large litter bins have been placed around the town centre, supplied free and with a maintenance guarantee to Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council.

In return, the supplier, Trash Media, a national organisation, sells advertising space on the four-sided bins.

Pictures of pop group Atomic Kitten adorn the bins, backing the Tidy Britain Group's slogan, Stop It Now.

Coun Sylvia Szintai, Lead Member for Environment and Infrastructure with Redcar and Cleveland Council, said: "The bins have been in place since just before Christmas and we think they're making a difference.

"It represents a good deal for the Council and I would hope that local businesses will investigate the prospect of advertising."

Trash Media's Contracts Manager Les Jones said: "We think there's a double benefit for advertisers - they're helping the environment and the community and they're getting to advertise on the High Street at very competitive rates."

Anyone interested in advertising can call Trash Media's freephone number (0800) 5874474.