Children driven potty by dog mess outside their school have put up posters asking owners to pick up their poo.

Staff and governors at St John’s Primary School in Portland Road, Kingston, decided to act as the problem grew steadily worse in recent years.

Emerald Gill, chairman of the parent and staff association, said the situation was particularly bad in roads around the school and near Athelstan playground.

Children designed posters urging people to clear up after their pets, and put them along the school railings and in shop windows.

Headteacher Janet Tuck said: “We have had so many children coming to school with dog poo on their shoes or scooters.

“It’s horrible and unnecessary as most responsible dog owners do clear up after their dogs.

“I myself own a dog and have got hours of pleasure from her company so we would stress that we are not against dogs just would like to encourage all owners to dispose of their dogs’ poo and not leave it on the pavements.”