A BARNET police team is clamping down on discarded beer cans and rubbish as the World Cup kicks off.

The Brunswick Park Safer Neighbourhood Team is urging residents to keep their green spaces clear of rubbish as youngsters are inspired to get outside and practise the beautiful game.

Sergeant Simon Dawson said: “We would like to encourage all those who use Barnet borough to take extra care over the way they dispose of their empty drink cans.

"We are very fortunate to have some wonderful open spaces on the borough but these are often blighted by the sight of empty beer cans thrown on the ground once empty."

He said the World Cup would see more people buying canned drinks to enjoy with matches and added the team would be patrolling the ward and advising people drinking in public to dispose of their cans and bottles responsibly.