A pair of "notorious" fly-tippers have been caught illegally dumping waste in residential areas of Newcastle.

Colin Brown, 67, and Mark Creed, 57, were spotted wheeling trolleys full of household waste through streets in Byker, in the east of the city, on multiple occasions.

The pair were seen dumping various items including carpets, cupboards and a bed frame near communal areas.

Both men are well-known offenders - whose pictures had been circulated amongst Newcastle City Council staff.

The first incident occurred on September 29 last year, when a neighbourhood warden spotted the pair pushing a flatbed trolley laden with carpets through the Welbeck Road area, known as a hotspot for illegal waste dumping.

Colin Brown, 67, and Mark Creed, 57, were spotted wheeling trolleys full of household waste through streets in Byker

On October 22, a community safety officer saw them with a trolley full of "carpet material" in Walker.

Councillor Teresa Cairns witnessed them dumping a full bed frame and cupboards near a communal bin area on December 15.

On January 22 this year, they were confronted after dumping a carpet and side table on a grass verge.

Brown and Creed appeared at Newcastle Magistrates' Court on Friday to face multiple charges - and each pleaded guilty to three counts of disposing of waste without a permit.

The pair also admitted one charge of carrying out business as a scrap metal dealer without a licence.

Additionally, they pleaded guilty to a waste offence relating to the Control of Pollution (Amendment) Act 1989.

Brown and Creed appeared at Newcastle Magistrates' Court on Friday to face multiple charges

Prosecutor Greg Butcher told the court their offending was "deliberate", while the court heard that both men have "significant previous convictions for identical offences".

Butcher described the defendants as "rather notorious within the council environmental protection department" - and noted how they had previously been given community orders for fly-tipping.

The court also heard how council staff could "immediately recognise" the pair due to their reputation.

Neil Connell, defending Brown, told the court his client looks after his disabled, visually impaired wife, is in poor health himself and has never been to prison.

"He is largely responsible for her care and looking after her. He is very worried about the prospect of an immediate custodial sentence," Connell said.

Ian Cassidy, representing Creed, said his client had been fly-tipping for cash and requested the court prepare an updated probation report before sentencing his client.

Magistrates ordered probation reports to be prepared for both defendants and adjourned the sentencing.

Both men, who live on Welbeck Road in Newcastle, were granted bail. They must return to Newcastle Magistrates' Court for sentencing on May 27.