The UK?s first eco sweeper is preparing to cause a stir in Bournemouth.

The electric sweeper is emissions-free and cheaper to run than its gas-guzzling predecessors.

And this one has attitude. Far from going about its cleaning business quietly, Eco will be broadcasting environmental messages, sponsored by radio station Fire FM, reminding people not to drop chewing gum, cigarettes and litter and urging them to recycle. Messages to be broadcast to town centre visitors include: ?Don?t be a dirty chucker, keep our Bournemouth clean.?

Its driver Ben Knight is passionate about the environment and, as he spots people flouting the rules, he?ll be politely asking them to bin-it or recycle.

Cllr Bob Lawton, Cabinet Member for the environment, said: ?We wanted something innovative in Bournemouth that would allow us to promote our positive environmental messages and demonstrate our commitment to our number one priority 'Improving our Environment'. The eco sweeper will be cleaning the Town Centre precincts and part of Boscombe.

?It will certainly be an unusual sight on our streets and its environmental messages might cause a little surprise but I hope it will be a very positive influence.?

Larry Austin, Street Services Manager at Bournemouth Council, said: ?As well as being a fun addition to the street cleansing team, the eco sweeper has a very serious use. Bournemouth is proud to be the first town in the UK to welcome the eco sweeper.

 ?It has no emissions and running costs are incredibly low thanks to no road tax or diesel costs and low servicing costs. Charging the eco sweeper battery overnight costs around ?1.50 and provides enough power for an eight-hour cleaning shift.?

The machine, which has been hired from Industrial Cleaning Machines for a year, will also be guest of honour at the Chartered Institute of Waste Management Conference in Torbay this summer.