CREATIVE children could clean up in a district council poster competition aimed to make a difference in 'Poop a Scoop' week.

Pupils aged between five and from schools around Droitwich Spa are being asked to design a poster encouraging dog owners to clean up after their pets have fouled in public.

The winning posters will be displayed around the town during Poop a Scoop week, which will run from June 14 to 20, to try to reduce the problem of mucky mutt mess.

There will be prizes for the winners.

Wychavon's dog warden Pip Singleton said: "Dog mess not only looks and smells disgusting, especially when you tread in it, but indeed it can prove fatal as it contains nasty bacteria and parasites.

"We want to make sure dog owners, who let their pets foul on the green spaces where children play, clean up the mess."

She added: "By getting youngsters involved we are educating them and at the same time raising awareness about the issues to residents through the poster campaign.

"Free poop bags are available from our Community Contact centres and there's lots of dog poop bins around too. Don't forget, you can be fined for not picking up after your pooch."

Schools will be targeted from next month and Wychavon is also seeking prizes from Spa companies.

To get involved call the environmental services team on 01386 565252.

Entries will be judged on May 16.

kate.hughes@midlands.

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