LITTER louts watch out or you could find yourself in the dock!

People who toss litter on the streets in Preston could face the full force of the anti-litter police tomorrow (Friday) as the local council launches a new scheme to bag litter louts.

The Just Bin It! Campaign kicks off on Saturday February 9, on Preston Flag Market, in a bid to make people more aware of the litter problem and the new fines which could be imposed if they foul up.

To get the message across actors dressed as anti-litter police will trail the streets of the town centre on the hunt for game-for-a-laugh louts to take before the 'court'.

Preston actor Dean Taylor will be the judge for the fun proceedings to help demonstrate how litter louts may be dealt with in the future -- with a fine of up to £50 soon to be imposed.

Councillor Andy Campbell, executive member for environment and sustainability, said: "We're trying to educate and make people more aware of the litter problem and that we can all help by just binning it.

As well as free anti-litter display and information the cast will be handing out free Just Bin It! balloons for children.

The audience participation event comes as figures reveal people in Preston throw away 7,000 tonnes of litter every year -- enough to fill 700 bin lorries!

Council bosses say they spend £20,000 every week -- over £1m every year -- on cleaning Preston's streets and employ 45 people to pick up and remove litter.