Pocket ashtrays could be the solution to stop cigarette butts littering the ground.

Kingston Council plans to hand out these personal ashtrays to smokers as part of a Cleaner Kingston campaign.

It coincides with an enforcement trial which can land litterbugs with £80 to £100 fines if caught dropping rubbish or not cleaning up after their dogs.

Councillor Terry Paton, lead member with responsibility for environment, said: "We are providing smokers with these free pocket sized personal ashtrays, which allow them to safely store their cigarette butts until they find a bin, making it easier for them to do the right thing.

"In the four months since the enforcement trial started, our dedicated enforcement officers have handed out 819 on-the-spot fines. Over 90 per cent of those fines have been given to people dropping their cigarette butts. We’d like to bring that down to zero."

He said the cost of cleaning the streets were at £2m.

Personal ashtrays will be handed out in Tolworth, New Malden and Surbiton today.