VOLUNTEERS are needed to help Dorset Wildlife Trust (DWT) with its Worbarrow Bay beach clean.

This post-summer beach clean takes place at the Purbeck beauty spot on Sunday.

DWT marine centre assistant Hazel Munt said: "We have had a very windy summer so we're really concerned about the amount of litter that's been washed up onto our beaches.

"A few weeks ago we rescued a gannet which was blown onto the beach with a cord wrapped around its beak.

"It was still alive and we untangled it and took it to a rescue centre as it was very underweight due to not being able to feed properly.

"It has now been released, looking much healthier and ready to take on the winter."

According to a study published earlier this month in the American science journal PNAS, 90 per cent of seabirds around the world have ingested plastic.

Researchers reached their conclusion after evaluating 186 seabird species across the globe.

Other marine wildlife affected by litter include turtles, dolphins, and seals who can become entangled in plastic packaging and discarded fishing nets and drown as a result.

Hazel said: "We're asking for volunteers to help us remove litter from the beach, such as discarded fishing line, plastic bottles, nurdles (small plastic pellets) and anything else that is not natural."

The beach clean takes place on Sunday, September 20, from 11am-1pm. Meet at Worbarrow Bay - map ref SY871797 - where you will see the collection trailer.

Organisers say all equipment will be provided but advise bringing refreshments and your own gloves if you have them.