A SCAVENGER hunt with a difference has been launched on Exmoor to raise awareness of the impact of single-use plastics on the countryside and local environment.

Plastic Free Exmoor community lead Peter Hoyland said the single-use plastic scavenger hunt should be a great summer holiday activity for families.

The event aims to encourage local residents and visitors to become more aware of litter in the environment and encourage them to help keep the Exmoor and West Somerset countryside and coastline litter-free.

It has been organised in association with Exmoor National Park Authority and Minehead eco-friendly shop Our Precious Earth.

Mr Hoyland said: “The aim of the scavenger hunt is for children and families to find and pick up items of single-use plastic that are found littering the local environment.

“This could be items such as a plastic bottle, a food wrapper, a beach toy, or a piece of fishing line.

“Points are collected for the different items found, with a commonly found items such as a plastic carrier bag worth 20 points and rarer items such as a plastic Smarties tube lid worth 100 points.”

Free single-use plastic scavenger hunt sheets can be picked up from the National Park Centre in Dunster, Our Precious Earth, in Holloway Street, Minehead, and from the Minehead Tourist Information Office near the Beach Hotel on the sea front.

Anybody collecting 150 points can return their sheet to their collection point to receive an ‘Ocean Activist’ certificate, while those scoring 200 points can claim an ‘Ocean Champion’ certificate.

A litter picking/plastic free ‘goodies prize bundle’ will be awarded to the highest point scorer over the summer months.

Mr Hoyland said: “We hope this scavenger hunt will not only raise people’s awareness of the amount and type of single-use plastics that are littered in the local environment but also encourage them to get involved with picking up litter while participating in a fun activity.

“I would like to express my thanks to Sarah for designing the wonderful sheets for us and to Exmoor National Park and Keith Hunt, from Our Precious Earth, for their support for this project.”