A football team were forced to fetch shovels after a referee ruled that dog mess made the pitch unplayable.

The Duchy Division One game between St Columb and local rivals Pelynt kicked off normally on Sunday.

But within minutes the referee blew his whistle and demanded the home side keep things clean.

The team were ordered to fetch shovels and clear the pitch near Newquay before the referee allowed the match to go ahead.

It was not a very nice task Alex Weller

The players undertook the task in good spirits as they removed the offending obstructions.

They went on to trounce their opponents 7-1.

St Columb player Alex Weller said: "We got a fair bit of banter from the other side and it was not a very nice task making the pitch fit to play."

Now the team have appealed to the local Restormel Borough Council to send dog wardens to patrol the recreation ground to deter irresponsible dog owners.