Dog wardens in St Helens have started weekend patrols of the town's cemeteries after receiving complaints from the public.

A council spokesman said: "While the council does not wish to prohibit the taking of dogs into the cemeteries, we would request that, out of respect to all those who do visit, dog owners keep their pets on a lead at all times."

They are also reminding dog owners to clean up after their pet if it fouls in public and dispose of the bag correctly.

Anyone who is caught not doing so will face a fixed penalty of £50.