Participants in the Peak District Envirotrek clean-up. Photo: Stephen Elliott

A fork stuck in a tree, discarded tent poles and numerous disposable barbecues were among items cleared from the national park countryside in the first of a series of clean-ups.

The Envirotrek Respect the Mountains series takes place across Europe, and opened with the collection of 25 bags of rubbish in the Peak District at the weekend.

The KEEN-sponsored event saw 47 people join the effort to clear litter and other rubbish around the Hope Valley.

Bottles and old pottery were also among the volunteers who headed out from Castleton in three groups.

A spokesperson for the event said: “After the morning clean-up, a delicious lunch made by volunteers was enjoyed.

“A lot of local parties were involved, including Peak Mountaineering, Peak District Tourist Information, the Hollowford Centre and the Hitch ‘n Hike store, who helped promote the event.”

The finder of the most original piece of rubbish won a pair of hiking shoes from KEEN. And the most enthusiastic searcher was rewarded with a Respect the Mountains necklace.

In the afternoon participants tried climbing, caving, a ridge walk or a high ropes course with local guides and Peak Mountaineering.

Another clean-up will take place in the Lake District this Sunday.