A large number of needles have been collected on riverside walks

In less than five months, more than 200 needles have been collected in "sharps boxes" on the College Street path.

The figures are detailed in a report to councillors who have been asked to consider extending the scheme.

Dumfries and Galloway's lead officer for substance misuse Jim Parker said the results had been encouraging.

He said the boxes had been successful in addressing some issues of concern.

Potential threat

"These needles - had the boxes not been there - would have been irresponsibly discarded most probably," said Mr Parker.

"Each one potentially could have been a threat to someone so we are really pleased at the numbers."

He added that they had been surprised at the amount of needles and would be looking closely at where they had come from.

After that plans to extend the scheme to other "hot spots" in the region will be considered.