OFFICERS in Penrith have called on parents to speak to their children after a load of litter was found dumped.

The incident happened on Friday, near the river in the Frenchfield area of the town - police put out the Facebook appeal the next day.

A spokesman for Cumbria Constabulary said: "This is a plea to parents whose sons and daughters have been heading down to the river.

"Please speak to them about the importance of leaving an area as tidy as they found it and the damage litter can do to wildlife, rivers and oceans.

"We do see instances where they have bagged it into bin bags but then leave the bin bags."

He added: "It is likely to be older youths,young adults but we're seeking support from parents to encourage better behaviour."