GUERRILLAS armed with trowels and garden forks are carrying out sorties at Poundbury.

But the only casualties in their special operations are the weeds and rubbish that accumulate at the Duchy of Cornwall development.

The group of residents have banded together to hit the grot spots and create a clean and green environment.

Guerrilla Mervyn Harris said the residents were following the example of other guerrilla gardeners across the country who blitz weeds and replace them with plants and bulbs.

He said: "We had open gardens in Poundbury in June and realised that it's all very well having these nice gardens but round about there are places that are a mess.

"And then we thought it's no good waiting for them to get cleaned up because it just gets worse.

"So we're having a go at some of it."

He said the guerrillas have started by tackling areas that have become overrun with weeds and swamped with litter.

The group has an informal structure with no committee or formal membership.

Guerrillas arrange among themselves to meet once a month to work on areas that have become neglected, especially those waiting to be developed.

Mr Harris said: "We are a group that does not exist."

He added: "The builders leave a mess and that seems to make it easier for people to add to it by dumping rubbish - just drive along Bridport Road and see the rubbish piled up.

"If we can get enough people together we aim to get rid of forests of ragwort and have wild flower areas instead.

"We're just a group of people doing something in the community that won't otherwise get done."

Guerrillas also aim to lobby businesses and individuals to keep their own areas tidy.

Their latest mission saw several guerrillas getting rid of litter and weeds around Victor Jackson Square while others had their sights on a neglected little garden near the chocolate factory which was weeded and had bulbs planted for spring colour.

The guerrillas aim to work in daylight and are planning their next session on October 9 in the evening.