WHO would have thought that what you serve up for your breakfast may be the answer to the problems of unsightly graffiti across Southampton?

Help is at hand thanks to a revolutionary mix of milk and orange juice, which is being tried out by city council bosses this week.

The environmentally friendly product has been developed by Nordic UK and is the first biodegradable system of its kind to be used in the south.

The milk acid and orange peel oil formula is a non-toxic gel and does not cause any damage to surfaces.

The Graff-Off gel is smeared onto graffiti-ridden areas and left for a few minutes to soak before being rinsed away with a pressure washer.

The gel works by breaking down the PVC adhesive binding the paint and the water washes the liquid away.

Until recently the only other options were chemical-based solvents which were harmful to the environment and those who used them.

Executive member for environment and transport, Cllr Richard Williams, who was joined in launching the crackdown with Southampton Test MP Alan Whitehead, said: "We are committed to keeping Southampton as clean as possible and this new technology will be a valuable, environmentally-friendly addition to our arsenal of anti-graffiti weapons.

"But we do still need the support of members of the public who should report anyone they see defacing property."