Doctor Who look-alike and ‘scientist’ Richard Hubert was called in by United Utilities after the firm dealt with more than 15,000 blockages last year.

The firm is using the character as a humorous way to tackle what it sees as a ‘monstrous’ increase in people using toilets to flush away everyday rubbish.

United Utilities customer communications manager, Rose Francis, said there was a serious message behind the gimmick.

She said: “Items such as cotton buds, nappies, sanitary products and razors are often flushed away and they can get stuck in the system until they build up and cause a blockage resulting in the horrible problem of sewer flooding.

“We are asking people to think about what not to flush to avoid any unwelcome visitors.

“By using the toilet as a rubbish bin people are storing up problems that could come back to haunt them.”

You can follow Mr Hubert’s investigations by watching him on Youtube, or by liking his page on Facebook.

Luke Walsh

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