Pupils recruited for gum campaign

Primary school pupils in East Durham are being targeted in a move to reduce a sticky street problem.

Easington Council has called on pupils to come up with ways of highlighting the problem of chewing gum on streets.

The authority says it costs tens of thousands of pounds a year to rid streets of gum, with specialist equipment often having to be used.

Pupils from Peterlee's Acre Rigg school have been recruited to design a poster for the council's latest campaign.

Later in the year, the campaign will switch to comprehensive schools, pubs, clubs and shops.

Dropping chewing gum can result in an £80 fixed penalty or a £2,500 fine if cases go to court.