Volunteers teamed up with McDonald's staff and members of the environmental group, the Acorn Trust, to clean up their town.

They were rewarded for their efforts with free Big Macs and other refreshments from McDonalds.

The volunteers cleaned up the town centre and bypass area of Consett, as far out as The Grove estate, from 11am to 3pm. Organiser Joe Bussey said: "It was a family event and we had games, puzzles, activities throughout the day."

McDonald's installed new litter bins outside its restaurant to coincide with the event.

The Acorn Trust has had a programme of spring cleans involving a number of schools in the area during the past month.