A blitz on litter is about to start in Poole in a bid to stem the growing amount of rubbish thrown away every year.

The Pride in Poole campaign, due to be launched tomorrow in the town centre, has a tough message.

After education and fair warning comes enforcement, where particular trouble spots will be swooped on by hit squads of Borough of Poole consumer protection officers backed by police.

"People have to realise it's against the law to throw litter down," said Cllr Bob Williams, executive spokesman for environment and prosperity.

It is a criminal offence for which offenders can be fined up to £2,500, and nationally there were 500 police prosecutions in 1999.

The campaign by the council's consumer protection department will work with schools, businesses and the community to get the message across.

Notices will go up warning people that littering is an offence as well as a costly, anti-social activity.

"Following that, people will be forewarned that if they are caught dropping litter in certain areas, they will be prosecuted," said Cllr Williams.

Last year approximately 2,891 tonnes of litter were deposited on Poole's streets and open spaces.

That is equivalent to every resident discarding 20kgs or three large sacks of litter and it cost council tax payers £800,000 last year to keep the streets clean.

"There is great concern that the town really does need freshening up and as an authority we are picking up more litter every year. We have a pride in Poole, do you?" asked Cllr Williams.

The launch of the scheme will be in Falkland Square at 11.30am tomorrow.