A seaside council has rubbished claims it is the second dirtiest district in Essex and Suffolk.

Tendring is litter-plagued and rubbish-ridden according to a report by public sector union GMB.

Apparently a quarter of its streets have a litter problem.

Only Waveney District Council, in Suffolk, is worse.

But Tendring Council has challenged the GMB to visit the area and see it for themselves.

Cllr Michael Talbot, portfolio holder for the environment, said the conclusion is based on out-of-date statistics.

"Tendring is now in the top five instead of second from bottom and with the continuing improvements to the service provided we are looking for even better performance in future," he said.

"We spend about £1.5million every year cleaning streets and beaches - that is over £10 per head for every man woman and child in the district.

"Cleanliness in Tendring is certainly no worse than the rest of East Anglia and is actually better than many other districts and towns."