Volunteers needed to stop rise in beach litter

Credit: Marine Conservation Society

The Marine Conservation Society (MCS), is looking for volunteers to take part in the UK's biggest beach clean event.

The charity said there has been a steady rise in litter over the past 23 years since MCS began recording it. In 2016 tiny bits of plastic and polystyrene were the most frequently found litter items on UK beaches.

However, the number of plastic bags on beaches has almost halved between 2015 and 2016, since charges at the checkout came into force in 2011.

During the annual 'Great British Beach Clean', volunteers will be asked to clean and record litter on beaches from the 15th - 18th September.

Volunteers are given guidance from an officer on the day Credit: Marine Conservation Society

MCS Beach and River Clean Project Officer, Lizzie Prior, said: