PLANS to fine schoolchildren £50 if they drop litter have been dismissed as ridiculous.

The pupils at schools in east Durham have been warned that they will face the same on-the-spot fine for the offence as adults.

But last night, the Easington District Council crackdown was described by one of its own councillors as a "ridiculous, unrealistic kneejerk reaction.''

The council yesterday revealed that its team of street wardens would be carrying out lunchtime patrols around schools in its area.

Letters warning of the campaign have been sent to all east Durham's schools, telling pupils about the patrols and informing them that anyone caught littering will receive the £50 on-the-spot fine.

If it is not paid, they could face court action and an ultimate penalty of £2,500.

Ian Hoult, Easington council's environmental services manager, said: "Areas around all schools tend to be hotspots for litter due to schoolchildren dropping waste, especially during their lunch break.

"We are hoping the patrols will raise awareness among youngsters that they need to dispose of their litter responsibly in waste bins provided and, if they don't, they will face the same fixed penalties as adults.''

However, the newly announced anti-litter campaign targeting children was dismissed as unbelievable by Councillor Brian Wilson, who represents the Thornley ward on the authority.

Coun Wilson said: "It is the first I have heard of this action and I can't believe what my authority is saying.

"How many children do you know would be able to pay an on-the-spot fine?''

"Clearly, we are all deeply concerned about the problem of litter, but when it comes to children, surely it is a matter of education, not issuing punitive fines.''

Describing the idea as a waste of resources, he said: "It would make far more sense for our employees to visit schools to teach the children about the damaging affects of litter. It is a serious matter, but this campaign is, quite frankly, laughable.''