PRESTON City Council has launched a new programme to get dog owners to clean up after their pets.

The scheme, with the motto 'bag it, tie it, bin it' was introduced last week in the city's neighbourhoods of Ribbleton and Brookfield.

Posters have gone up and dog clean up packs are being scattered around the estates in an effort to make dog mess a thing of the past.

Sonia Scowcroft, the city council's litter education officer, who's leading the project, said: "It's all about getting people to clean up after their dogs.

"There are plenty of bins and dog bag dispensers about and it only takes a few seconds to bag and bin dog muck.

"People still leave dog litter behind, making the streets look a mess and causing health hazards.

"We'll be out and about giving people advice and handing out dog waste bags so there's no excuse. "Remember you could get fined £50 if you don't clean up after your dog - so remember to bag it, tie it and bin it!"