Conservation volunteers staged a trespass to tidy up privately-owned land.

They want the beauty spot at Toad's Hole Valley, Hove, better maintained and included in the South Downs national park.

The volunteers were joined by children and other local people to pick-up litter and clear scrub, which has invaded large parts of the land.

About 30 people set to work on the steep scarp slope on the western side of the valley, now heavily overgrown with dogwood, hawthorn, ash trees and sycamore trees.

A spokesman for the group said a management agreement, brokered between the landowner, the old Hove council and conservation groups, had been allowed to lapse.

He said: "We might not have permission to do this but it is work that has been previously agreed by the landowner.

"This is our downland and we want it in the national park so it can be used by the people."

Marina Town, of Beeding Avenue, Hangleton, said many local people treasured the valley as she helped the volunteers pick up litter.

She said: "It has just deteriorated and people have neglected it and it is such a shame. I am just so pleased they are trying to do something about it."

The Countryside Agency has recommended leaving the valley outside the national park, although it is in the existing Sussex Downs area of outstanding natural beauty.

Brighton and Hove City Council agreed to back including the area in the park last year, when opposition parties out voted the ruling Labour group.

Business leaders have voiced their concern future development could be ruled out if the valley wins extra protection.

Senior Labour councillor Brian Fitch, helping to clear scrub at the site yesterday, said the valley was isolated by the bypass and should not be inside the park.

He said: "The scarp slope should be protected and kept open as a nature reserve."

The public inquiry into the national park proposals will start to consider whether the valley should be included this week.