Take your litter home and don't leave the beaches in a state.

That's the message from council chiefs to beachgoers hitting the Dorset coast this bank holiday weekend.

It comes after beaches, including Weymouth, were left looking like a 'bomb site' after the early May bank holiday.

As reported, a total of 13,000kg of litter was collected from Weymouth Beach over the previous bank holiday weekend sparking anger from residents.

Despite the hot weather enjoyed by thousands of visitors, heaps of rubbish were left on the town’s award-winning beach as bins overflowed.

Residents said parts of the beach looked like a ‘bomb site’, covered with discarded toys, drinks bottles, food wrappers and glass.

Now the Dorset Waste Partnership (DWP) is asking residents and visitors alike to dispose of their rubbish correctly and not leave litter when they are out and about.

This bank holiday weekend, Dorset will welcome thousands of visitors to its many beautiful tourist-spots and beaches. But large crowds of people inevitably create more litter.

The DWP is responsible for clearing up litter and emptying bins in many areas across the county, such as Weymouth Beach.

Mike Moon, Head of Service (Operations) at the Dorset Waste Partnership, said: “A small minority of people appear to make no attempt to use a bin and feel it’s acceptable to leave rubbish wherever they like.

"Our message is simple; please gather up your litter and place it in a bin before you go home. If you cannot find a bin with enough space inside, please keep hold of the rubbish until you pass one. Alternatively, you can take your litter home with you.”

The DWP deploys additional staff in some resorts during busy times to help cope with the pressures and to empty bins as often as is needed.

Mr Moon added: “If visitors keep hold of their rubbish until they find a bin that has room inside or take it home, the amount of litter that needs clearing up would be drastically reduced.

"The DWP will always play a part in helping keep Dorset clean and tidy. Residents and visitors can also help to ensure the places people come to see remain welcoming and free of litter.”

If residents feel an area would benefit from having a bin or litter-related signage, they are encouraged contact their local council.

Litter and overflowing bins can be reported to the DWP at www.dorsetforyou.gov.uk/street-care