Litterbugs have been shamed in a scathing letter from a district council.

It comes after a picture emerged of pizza boxes and other waste being dumped in a flower basket along beauty spot The Leas, in Folkestone.

Folkestone and Hythe District Council (FHDC) penned a letter in response, reminding people to dispose of their rubbish correctly.

In it, the authority says the only thing likely to grow in the flower bed now is 'mould'.

The letter in full reads:

"Dear the person(s) that used a flower basket as a litter bin,

"It's always great to see the return of nice weather after the long nights of a cold winter. You're not alone in welcoming spring by sampling some delicious supper on The Leas.

"However, unlike most other people, you felt the need to dump your waste in a flower basket afterwards and risk spoiling this much-loved area for others.

"The only thing likely to grow in your rubbish is mould.

"If you've spent five minutes heading to one of The Leas' benches to enjoy your food, you can make the exact same journey to find a sensible place to dispose of your packaging.

"When things get busy, it's possible the first bin you come across will be full.

"While crews do their very best to get these emptied, doing your bit to help keep the district tidy is very easy. Simply take your waste home or put it in the nearest empty bin.

"Putting extra rubbish beside bins (or in the nearest flower basket) isn’t as helpful as you might think, so please make sure you dispose of your waste responsibly.

"Best wishes,

"Folkestone & Hythe"

This is not the first time the council has taken a tough approach against litter louts.

Last year, fines were handed out to people for littering, urinating and failing to pick up dog mess across the district.

Read more: All the latest news from Folkestone