A WELL-known Ilkley businessman has made a second anti-litter film after the first was a massive hit on YouTube.

Thomas Black, former joint chairman of Peter Black Holdings in Keighley, said the amount of rubbish dumped in the countryside and built-up areas was "a disgrace".

His first film, Don't Drop Litter or Else!, has attracted over 153,000 hits since it went online two years ago.

The latest production, Don't Drop Litter or Else 2! Retribution Works, stars Mr Black himself together with Gareth Finister – who plays yobbish litterbug Finny – and professional actress Amy Warhurst, as Finny's wife.

Also featuring, in a cameo role, is Patch the Wonder Dog.

"I don't want to give too much away because people should see the film for themselves – suffice to say that I exact retribution on a yob who dumps his old fridge in the lovely Yorkshire countryside," said Mr Black, who lives in Ilkley.

"With the help of Patch the Wonder Dog and a number of friends, I make sure Finny will never drop litter again."

He said that although the film was fun to make, there was a serious side to it.

"It is essentially a light-hearted parody but I just hope those who drop litter – or know people who are litter louts – watch and learn," added Mr Black.

"How much better to self-regulate than have legislation imposed from above.

"I've been completely bowled over by the success of Don't Drop Litter Or Else!, which clearly struck a chord with many people.

"Seeing as the first film was so popular, I decided it was worthwhile making a second.

"This one features the same central characters, together with some new faces.

"The anti-litter message is as hard-hitting as ever and I hope the film makes it clear that dropping litter of any sort is anti-social, bad for the environment and eventually hits us all in the pocket.

"I believe it is fundamentally wrong to discard paper anywhere. Litter is a scar on the landscape and a symptom of a society without discipline and with declining family values.

"It is estimated that £1bn of local government money is spent on collecting litter every year. It therefore follows that less litter means more money for education, the police, social services etc and would also help to keep council tax low.

"Meanwhile the suppliers and vendors of soft drinks, sweets, crisps etc have a responsibility to try to change their customers' pattern of buying their products. Perhaps there should be tax incentives for people using the same container more than once?"

The latest film, produced and directed by Leeds-based David Varley and his company 1st4film.biz, was shot at Denton near Ilkley.

It can be seen at youtube.com/watch?v=W3GiFxjQyo and facebook.com/thomas.black1044186/.