With a litter-pick here and a bike ride there, everyone is getting involved with the games solely designed to help our planet – and some of them even have Olympic medals.

European and Commonwealth badminton medallist Lauren Smith is one of those on-board with this year’s Planet Earth Games, wanting to play her part in rallying the troops and getting everyone to find their inner power.

The games encourage all to take part in daily challenges, covering everything from upcycling and litter picking to hummus making and bug hotel-building.

And Carlisle woman Lauren, who represented Team GB at the 2016 Olympics, has set her own energy-free challenge for those involved.

The five-time Commonwealth Games medalist is encouraging everyone to spend one hour away from gadgets, tablets and any energy-using gizmo on August 14, and instead take the time to perform a garden workout.

On top of treating the planet to a relaxing hour of zero-energy usage, all who give the challenge a go will be up for the chance to win some exclusive Team England badminton kit.

Lauren said: “Over the last few years, I have become increasingly aware of our effects on the planet and I’ve been taking small steps to reduce my impact.

"I’m far from perfect, but I am trying to learn every day.

“And that is how I came across the Planet Earth Games, an event that brings together two of my greatest passions – getting people active and taking care of our planet.

"It’s a huge honour for me to be an ambassador for this brilliant event.”

Daily prizes are awarded to lucky participants, and anyone who complete 10 challenges across the month is eligible for a wooden medal made from recycled and sustainable sources.

And hundreds across the UK are already involved with the tasks, which will continue until the end of the month, including various groups who share the same sustainable goals as Planet Earth Games, such as Riverford Organic Farmers and Keep Britain Tidy.

Also avid ambassadors of the games are Kayaking gold medallist Etienne Scott, sailing gold medallist Hannah Mills, as well as best-selling author Jen Gale, Saracens rugby star Charlie Watson, paddle boarding record breaker Cal Major, Adventurer of the Year Will Copestake and record-breaking ultra runner Sophie Rooney – and all want to see everyone doing their best for our one and only planet earth.

Chris Broadbent, chief executive of the games, said: “This week we’ve already been blown away by the impact the challenges have made.

"From Cornwall to Angus, Pembrokeshire to the Isle of Wight, Warwick to Londonderry/Derry, we’ve seen participants of all ages get involved.

“For us, it’s all about making a change, and we’re glad to see that spread crossing the globe – truly living our ethos of Healthy Planet, Healthy People.

"It has been a strange year for everyone, but we have an incredible event to help bring some real enjoyment to this summer."

They continued: “The Planet Earth Games is fun, inclusive and accessible to everyone.

"Whilst the pandemic has caused a lot of us to rethink our priorities, the ambitions to create a healthier, happier and more sustainable society have only strengthened.

"Planet Earth Games is set to help everyone play their part in nurturing a better environment for the future.”

For more details on the games, and to find out how you can take part, visit www.planetearthgames.org.

Regular updates can also be found on the Planet Earth Games Facebook page.