If proof were needed that we are a dirty race, we have it in abundance today. The Oxfordshire countryside may not match the beauty of the Scottish Highlands, the Yorkshire Dales or the Lake District, but it is still highly impressive.

Yet some people are determined to desecrate it by dumping rubbish all over the place. After last week's revelation that the number of flytipping incidents in the county had risen by 60 per cent, we decided to carry out our own investigations.

We wondered how long it would take us to identify troublespots and gather enough discarded material to create a living room.

After leaving our offices at Osney Mead, it took just an hour to find a television, DVD player, settee, armchair, patio table, chairs and carpets. There is absolutely no excuse for householders to dump rubbish because they can get rid of it at the council waste centres free of charge.

Those most to blame for flytipping are thought to be rogue tradesmen, who would have to pay. It is those that we need to clamp down on- hard. If you see or suspect anyone of flytipping, don't hesitate - shop them.

The law-abiding people in this county are the ones who are having to foot the clean-up bill for this irresponsible behaviour.