PEOPLE have been flocking to West Devon's beauty spots to enjoy the best summer in seven years but the sheer numbers can mean litter becomes a problem.

West Devon Borough Council is reminding people enjoying a day out in the sun to get into the habit of taking their litter home even if there is bin on site.

Cllr Robert Oxborough, the council's community services chairman, said: 'Our litter bins and those provided by other organisations are not designed to take the quantities of waste left behind after large numbers of people having picnics or barbecues.

'Sometimes people think if a litter bin is jammed full it is okay to pile the waste next to it but it can then be blown around and attract wildlife and vermin.

'The most responsible way to enjoy our wonderful countryside is to take all your litter home — it is better for the environment, the local economy and the public purse.'

People are also being urged to be more thoughtful when it comes to having barbecues by keeping them off the grass and taking them home once they are cool.

In the past, there have been examples of hot disposable barbecues being stuffed into litter bins and creating a fire hazard.

Dog owners are asked to bag dog mess and dispose of it in a litter bin or dog bin, or take it home.