A 'GLADIATOR' has been deployed on the streets of Oxford to battle the scourge of chewing gum.

The "top-of-the-range" cleaning machine uses low-pressure steam and detergents to remove all traces of gum from pavements without damaging them.

Oxford City Council said it had brought in the device to tackle the sticky problem as part of its Cleaner Greener Oxford campaign.

City council environment chief John Tanner said: "Sticky dirty chewing gum, that someone has thoughtlessly spat out on to the street, sticks to your shoe and is horrible to look at.

"This new machine gets rid of the gum and will make Oxford look much smarter."

In a warning to chewers, Mr Tanner added: "Chew if you must but don't spit it out.

"It costs the taxpayer money to clean up and makes parts of Oxford an eyesore."

The city council said it expected the Gladiator MV700 to become a "familiar sight" to people around the city as it cleans up the streets.

It has previously said it spends about £20,000 clearing up chewing gum.