Two Ludlow town councillors have gone out on the streets in a campaign to get rid of dog mess.

Councillors Mitch Mitchell and Graeme Kidd joined a crusade launched by Councillor Martin Taylor-Smith to eradicate the problem.

Councillor Kidd said people could obtain free biodegradeable poop scoop bags from the town council’s Buttercross headquarters.

And Councillor Mitchell, better known as Mitch The Busker, gave away bags from his daily pitch, outside the Church Inn, where he serenades passers-by with tunes from his penny whistle.

Councillor Taylor-Smith launched the clean-up drive on Tuesday when he said he would snap offending dogs and their owners on his cameraphone and present the evidence to police.

His initiative was followed by a move from South Shropshire District Council to launch a new campaign called the Golden Paw Awards. People who clean up after their dogs will be given rosettes.

The rosettes will have a golden paw symbol on them, which can be attached to dog collars, leads or even the owner’s clothing.

Police community support officers, park rangers and council staff will award the rosettes when they see a responsible owner clearing up after their dog.

Councillor Kidd said he was delighted that Ludlow was being cleaned up.

He said: “For the past four years, the town council has been trying to do its bit. We have a supply of biodegradable bags that people can use to clean up after their dogs.

“People can pop into the Buttercross, Ludlow Town Council’s headquarters, any time to pick up a supply.”