The free pouches are called Stubbi

Each year, 2,700 tonnes of smoking-related litter is thrown on London's streets.

And with a smoking ban coming into force the Keep Britain Tidy group fears people smoking outside buildings will make the problem worse.

On Wednesday, the group will hand out 250,000 cigarette pouches which can store butts until people get to a bin.

"With nowhere to smoke in the pub or the office, smokers are nipping outside for a cigarette," said Alan Woods, chief executive of Keep Britain Tidy.

Stalking litter performances

"With bars and businesses reluctant to provide bins, the result is more flung fag ends, boxes and matches and a bigger council tax tab to clean them up."

North London's Enfield Council is also supporting the drive by placing more bins and giving away the pouches, called Stubbi, for free.

They will also increase their efforts to fine smokers up to �75 for dumping their trash on to the streets.

On Tuesday Camden Council, also in north London, handed out the pouches and in Southwark the "stubbies" are handed out on a daily basis by the street enforcement officers and community wardens.