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Stewards are to take to St Mark's square in Venice in a bid to ensure that the area's beauty is not tainted by tourists.

Officials will roam the square looking out for topless visitors, those who nap on the floor and people throwing litter on the streets.

It is all part of a drive to improve decorum and cleanliness in the square which has long been established as one of the world's most popular tourism hot spots, reports Reuters.

'Six stewards, men and women, will explain to tourists that it is not a good idea to eat, camp out, lay down or walk around the city bare-chested,' said deputy mayor Michele Vianello.

Although authorities want the stewards to take a hard-line with those who break the rules, they will not be given the authority to hand out fines.

St Mark's square is surrounded by some fine architectural examples including St Mark's Basilica and Clocktower and the Doge's Palace, as well as the ever-popular Grand Canal.

Officials in the region have previously taken steps to move backpackers who nap on the steps of the Basilica and are trying to clamp down on the sale of fast food due to the problem of litter.

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