Rain-soaked Emerald folk pitch in for Clean Up Australia Day

DONNING gloves and garbage bags, more than 250 residents braved the rain on Sunday for Clean Up Australia Day.

Central Highlands Mayor Peter Maguire joined school students, businesses and three Japanese exchange students in hitting the pavement to keep Emerald beautiful, and said he was happy with the numbers, despite the rain.

"People turned up even though it was showering and got heavier, but we had well over 200 people registered," Cr Maguire said.

"It was a fantastic turnout.

"There was a lot of rubbish picked up and it is amazing what people find around the place."

Among the strange items found were a dinner plate and a live redclaw, with the winner for most unusual item found being a homemade spear.

"The schools really get behind it and it is fantastic to see the kids still came out here on a miserable Sunday morning and participated," Cr Maguire said.

St Patrick's Primary School won the award for the most numbers, with 61 students picking up rubbish.

The most-enthusiastic award went to Emerald State High students, and the most rubbish was picked up by CHRRUP.