MORE than 106 kilos of litter were removed from Swanage Beach in just two hours.

The beach clean, organised by Dorset County Council's Durlston Country Park and the Litter Free Coast and Sea organisation, was attended by more than 30 volunteers.

Among the rubbish cleared was 27 kg of glass, 70 plastic bottles and 61 aluminium drinks cans. These have all now been sent for recycling.

Other litter collected included 60 cigarette stubs, 32 plastic bags and eight wet wipes.

All of this litter can kill marine wildlife and damage the coastal environment.

beach clean volunteer Fergus Holland said: "A massive amount of the litter collected today had in fact been left on the beach rather than brought in by the sea.

"This is a real shame, with no excuse. If you can bring food and drink with you to the beach, then you can take it back home with you.

"That said, it has been so refreshing to see such great community spirit in Swanage."

Concerns over the state of the world's seas is currently a hot topic, especially since naturalist Sir David Attenborough focused on the deadly scourge of plastics in our oceans during his critically-acclaimed Blue Planet II documentary.

Conservationists say the series has helped create a wave of public support for action against ocean pollution.

Ben Tolly, from Durlston Country Park, said: "Beach cleans not only help keep local people and wildlife safe, but the more we talk about marine pollution, the better.

"With massive companies now following the trend for paper straws and a proposed government ban on plastic ones, we know this method works.

"So I want to say a massive thank you to everyone who helped out and to everyone raising awareness of this very important issue."

Meanwhile, Matilda Manley, from Litter Free Coast and Sea, said: "We are thrilled with how well the Great Dorset Beach Clean went this year and so grateful to everyone who joined in.

"If you didn’t manage to get down to a beach clean this year, you can still help by taking part in a #2minutebeachclean next time you visit the beach.

"You can also help stop the plastic bottles and drinks cans getting to the coast in the first place by using reusable bottles and supporting the Refill scheme.

"Check out our website for more information."