THE foul state of County Bridge has led one irate Norton resident to suggest a "reward" for the canine-owning culprits.

Anthony Knowles was speaking out about the persistent dog fouling on the bridge and in the town in general.

"Dog fouling is a massive issue around Malton and Norton," he said, "but this one on the bridge is relentless."

Mr Knowles suspects that the bridge mess may be the work of one individual dog, and as such suggested the owner might like to go to the council offices and confess to the offences in order to collect their "reward".

"I would like to offer a reward to the owner of the dog that keeps fouling on the right hand side of the bridge going towards Norton," he said.

"This dog has the remarkable ability to foul on, or as near to the railings as is possible without the mess dropping into the river.

"At one point there was 35 poos on the bridge. That's nearly one for every metal post that is bolted into the bridge.

"It has to be the same dog doing it. The skill and precision is uncanny.

"I think the owner of this dog is deserving of some kind of recognition because the level of training that they have provided is up there with the likes of Ashley and Pudsey.

"Due to the recent weather some of these poos have washed away, but there are still about 15 to be admired, with new ones being added daily."

Mr Knowles's irreverent offer is based on the current UK fine for dog fouling.

"A quick look at the gov.uk website says it is usually £50," he said, "therefore I propose a reward of £750 to the owner of this dog based on the current poos that are on the bridge.

"If you are the owner of this dog," he added, "please pop into Ryedale council to receive your reward."