A dog owner from South Tyneside has been fined for walking his pet without a dog lead.

Darren Sawers was forced to pay £100 after he was seen in a local cemetery by two community wardens, with his two border collies on the loose, the Jarrow and Hebburn Gazette reports.

The council introduced new rules last June stating that canines must be kept on dog leads when being walked through cemeteries.

Commenting on the case, Angus Taylor, prosecuting, said: "Jarrow Cemetery is a place of worship and a place of rest.

"People should apply respect in a place like this, and having dogs running loose causes upset for those in mourning or going there to seek quiet contemplation."

Meanwhile, councillors in Weymouth have recently urged residents not to be concerned about the introduction of new dog lead and fouling control orders.

Local representative Ian James said they are aiming to cut down on anti-social behaviour and make it more pleasant for people to walk their animals in the area, the Dorset Echo reports.