A clean-up operation has found an alarming amount of rubbish in the River Stour - including seven shopping trolleys, six bikes and even a longbow.

A team from Natural England joined forces with the Kentish Stour Countryside Partnership’s 'Our Stour' project for the litter pick, which focused on the stretch of river from Ashford International to North Park.

They also removed about 250 to 300 bottles and cans, 10 traffic cones, two scooters, an office chair and a bench during the clean-up on Friday.

Our Stour project officer Lauren Baker said: “You never know quite what to expect when you do a river clean-up but even we were dismayed at the variety of objects found.

"While doing the litter pick we saw several water fowl families, numerous fish and stunning dragonflies; it is a nice feeling knowing that we have removed hazards from their habitat but this is only a small stretch of the Ashford green corridor and litter unfortunately can be found everywhere.

“We hope to organise more river clean-ups in the near future but for now we urge everyone to use bins provided or take their litter home.”

An Ashford Borough Council spokeswoman applauded the group's efforts.

She said: "We were pleased to be able to provide support in provision of litter picking equipment and collection of waste.

"It was a surprise to see the materials that the enthusiastic participants from Kent Stour Countryside Partnership and Natural England had retrieved.

"We will continue to support and value willing participants in their efforts.”

Cllr Clair Bell - cabinet member the environment and land management - thanked the group.

She said: "It all helps towards improving the appearance of the area around the station and the connecting pathways."

ABC understands Asda has introduced a £1 trolley system to try to prevent so much litter building up.

n For more information contact the Kentish Stour Countryside Partnership on 03000 410900 or email kentishstour@kent.gov.uk