Sevenoaks Chronicle reporters spent a whole day clearing a woodland site of rubbish after underestimating a fly-tipping problem.

They embarked on a community litter-pick at Littlewood with the intention of clearing the site of chocolate wrappers, crisp packets and drink cans, as part of Local Newspaper Week, which this year boasts a green theme.

But the three-hour event turned into almost an entire day spent unearthing a string of dumped items from the wood.

Among the finds were bed frames, TV aerials, climbing frames and carpets.

The four-strong Chronicle team was shocked at the scale of the rubbish which had been dumped in the wood.

Community editor Ian Read said: “We were appalled by the disregard shown by people for what has the potential to be a really pretty spot.

“We knew fly-tipping was an issue but had no idea of the scale of it.

“This really opened our eyes to the problem and we call on the local authorities to do everything in their power to stamp out what is fast becoming the scourge of our town.”

The Chronicle staff were accompanied by Sevenoaks MP Michael Fallon and mayor, Coun Margaret Crabtree.