A walking cigarette and chicken dinner were among those at the County Square over the weekend to meet Sir Litternot.

The knight in green armour is Ashford Borough Council’s latest weapon in the war against litter.

The fictional character joined the Town Centre Action Team (T-CAT) at an anti-littering exhibition in the town centre shopping mall designed to encourage people to keep the borough’s streets clean and tidy.

Sheila Davison, ABC’s health, parking and community safety manager, said; “We are promoting the new campaign and education people about reducing the littering in the town.

“The exhibit on Saturday was really busy, which is encouraging.

“We’re proud of our town and want to keep it as beautiful as we can.”

The team handed out canvas bags, stationary and car stickers, all inscribed with Sir Litternot’s slogan “Use litterbins and everyone wins!” They also ran a colouring competition for children.

Sir Litternot was designed by council worker and artist Mike Cook.

He said: “It’s been very unusual. I haven’t seen anything I’ve drawn in print for around 25 years and I’ve never seen my work in 3D and walking around before.”

This summer, youngsters are invited to devise a story about the knight for a writing competition being held at the Ashford Gateway Plus, in Church Road.

Sir Litternot and his team will also be visiting schools to spread word on his noble quest.

“We’re proud of our town and want to keep it as beautiful as we can.” - ABC's Sheila Davison

On-the-spot fines for dropping litter could be introduced to the borough later this year.

Cllr Jessamy Blanford, portfolio holder for environment, said: “It costs UK tax payers about £885m a year to keep England’s streets clean, with 48% of people admitting to dropping litter.

“Prevention is far better than punishment and we want to educate people and encourage them to stop littering so we don’t have to issue fines.”

Litter dropping and fly-tipping can be reported at www.ashford.gov.uk/litter.