An initiative to deal with abandoned and untaxed cars in Preston has moved up a gear with the introduction of a car crusher.

The move is the latest stage in the Cube-it campaign which runs all this month. Already 132 cars have been removed.

The campaign - a joint venture between the city council, the DVLA, the police and the fire brigade - sees vehicles being clamped, taken away or even crushed.

Councillor Andy Campbell said the move is a central part of plans to keep Preston clean.

"[Abandoned vehicles] look a mess and cause a hazard when they're left lying around.

"This is something that we take really seriously and we'll remove any unlicensed vehicles we find - if they're not claimed they will have to be taken away and crushed".

The council usually takes away about seven cars a month.