Volunteers filled more than 50 bags of rubbish in two-and-a-half hours.

More than 30 people carried out the work in Dover's Tower Hamlets area.

The effort was organised by the Dover residents' group the Tower Hamlets Forum as part of Keep Britain Tidy's Great British Spring Clean fortnight.

Pam Brivio, town and district ward councillor for the area, said: “It was a great turnout: the most people we have had in the five-plus years we have been doing litter picks so we very, very pleased.”

Overall around 300 volunteers took part in waste clearing across Dover, Deal and Sandwich during the fortnight, which ended on June 13, filling 400 bin bags between them.

This year, because of the pandemic, was marked by the number of disposable face masks now littering streets. Pick Deal Clean counted 117 in their round-up alone.

Linda Ford, from the group, said: "Litter picking is important to me because it’s about being part of your community.

"We don’t want our children and our grandchildren to grow up in a world where there’s litter everywhere.”

Some of the more unusual finds included a freezer and a shopping trolley, while a bike, plant pots and a shed roof had all been thrown into the River Dour at Dover.

More typical waste picked up has been plastic bottles, drinks cans, coffee cups, fast food cartons, and cigarette butts.

Nick Kenton, Dover District Council cabinet member for regulatory services, said: “We are delighted with the level of support that we have received from the community this year.

"The weather was good, many local residents, clubs, groups and businesses took part and we sincerely thank everyone who helped.

“Everyone can play a role in keeping our streets, parks and open space litter free. The council spends £1.5 million a year on street cleansing.

"In the coming months we’ll continue to educate and encourage those who drop litter in the district to consider the impact it has on others, and to change their behaviour.

"For those who continue to drop litter, they can expect to receive more on the spot fines in the future.”

People who want to litter pick regularly can sign up to the council’s Community Caretaker scheme. For more information, click here.

Read more: All the latest news from Dover