Surrounded by heart red balloons, big poster pinups of local sports celebrities and volunteers in ‘ I Love Preston’ t-shirts handing shoppers with recyclable brown bags that boldly read ‘ Preston versus Litter, Who wins? You decide’ was a sight very hard to miss if you were in or around St George’ s Centre on 21st October 2010.

The annual anti litter campaign was officially launched at the St George’ s Centre by BBC sports presenter and Prestonian Mark Lawrenson.

Local sports stars have lent their support to this year’ s new anti-litter campaign which was inspired by a student from Cardinal Newman College.

“ This campaign is aimed at raising awareness of the issue of litter in the city. The campaign will continue for six months and there are a total of ten events to support the campaign all over Preston.” said Anne Millne Riley, litter education officer for Preston City Council.

“ This is the first time we are having local celebrities to support our campaign and we hope to reach more people as well.”

Preston North End goalkeeper Andy Lonergan, snooker player Ian McCulloch and Great Britain Olympic runner Helen Clitheroe, all from Preston, have donated their time to promote Preston’ s latest anti-litter initiative by appearing on a collection of anti-litter posters.

Joining them is the Deepdale Duck who will appear on his own poster aimed at children.

The ‘ I Love My City’ posters feature the stars photographed at a number of Preston locations, promoting the local environment and urging residents to be ‘ Preston Proud’ . The campaign also enters people into a draw for a camcorder by CPC in exchange of a pledge to keep Preston clean.

When asked if the anti litter campaign really makes difference, 28 year old Louise Sharples, replied, “ This campaign won’ t stop littering but it does encourage people to do so.”

“Not littering is a civic sense that should be learnt at a school level, implementation of fines will be more effective,” she added as she continued with her shopping.

And with that note, the campaign also highlighted that ‘ Dropping litter is an offence and you will be fined £2500.’

Maybe that will help you make your decision.