A DOG in Gloucester is taking the lead in a drive to keep Britain tidy.

Three year old Lucky, a Kelpie-Doberman cross, can often be seen in Gloucester Park and around the city displaying his rubbish collecting exploits.

Just one motion from his owner, William Keating, and Lucky runs off to pick up a piece of rubbish and then takes it to the bin before jumping up on his hind legs and popping it inside.

"I only showed him how to do it twice and that was it, he has done it ever since," said Mr Keating, who lives in Wellington Street.

"He does lots of tricks, families love him. He is pretty well known in Gloucester now.

"But he is best know for collecting rubbish. You just need a lot of patience in the training, it's about how you do it."

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When Mr Keating first had Lucky as a puppy, he was told by others that this particular breed was nearly impossible to train.

"I have proved those people wrong, haven't I," he said.

"He is a lovely dog, and he has such a great temperament, too, that's why kids love him I think."

Lucky was involved in a vicious assault two weeks ago when he, and his owner, were knocked unconscious by an unknown attacker in the early hours of the morning in Gloucester Park.

"He is making a slow recovery although there is a problem with his kidneys so we'll have to see how he gets on," said Mr Keating.

"He is having nightmares, too, as am I, but hopefully we'll both be okay."