A child has been commended for efforts to stop dog mess littering a village’s streets.

The handmade sign was put up this week on the corner of Southfield Way and Lavender Drive in Southminster.

It said: “I know to pick up my dog’s poo and I’m eight.

“Use this bag to pick up your dog’s poo, with compliments. Thank you.”

Ron Pratt, vice-chairman of Southminster Parish Council, said: “It’s brilliant that someone of eight years old has took it upon themselves to do something like this.

“It’s very community spirited.

“It’s a shame that those that don’t pick up are not as community spirited.”

See this week's Standard for the full story.