NATIONAL Park bosses are urging visitors to take their litter home after it emerged up to 40 bags full are routinely left at beauty spots.

The North York Moors National Park Authority is using the upcoming World Environment Day to remind people that it is a criminal offence to drop or leave litter outdoors.

Since the beginning of the year, volunteers and staff at the authority have undertaken a number of litter picks at locations including Blakey Ridge, Lockwood Beck and Hutton le Hole.

On each occasion, up to 40 refuse sacks of rubbish have been collected, with bottles, cans, coffee cups and nappies all commonplace.

Sadly, rangers have reported that within an hour of completing a litter pick, new items of rubbish have been found.

As the busy summer period approaches, the Authority is asking people to take extra care not to leave litter, including ensuring that rubbish cannot blow out of open car windows.

If people come across litter left by others, park rangers are asking visitors to set an example by picking it up and disposing of it properly.

Debbie Trafford, head of recreation and ranger services, said: “Many of us have started to think much more consciously about what we throw away.

“Recycling is now the norm for most households and we are slowly moving towards choosing more reusable or biodegradable options.

“This feels like great progress, which makes it all the more disheartening that for some individuals, the basic message of taking your rubbish home with you just isn’t getting through.

“The National Park is a special place and the presence of litter on our beautiful beaches, in our hedgerows and on the roadside isn’t just unsightly and unpleasant, but is a threat to the wildlife that we all love to see.

“We urge everybody to think carefully about the rubbish they produce as they enjoy a glorious summer day in the Park.

“Please ensure that any empty packaging is taken home and where possible, recycled.

“Remember that reusable water flasks can be filled for free at both the Moors National Park Centre at Danby and the Sutton Bank Visitor Centre.”

World Environment Day takes place on June 5.