Following reports of the huge amounts litter on Dorset’s beaches this weekend, local initiatives Litter Free Coast and Sea and Litter Free Dorset have joined forces in their call for residents and visitors to help keep Dorset clean.

Matilda Manley from Litter Free Coast and Sea said: “We were struck by some of the photos we saw that were taken locals living within walking distance of beaches across Dorset during lockdown.

"In normal circumstances over the Easter holidays and during glorious weather like we have been experiencing we would sadly expect to see huge amounts of food and drink related litter on some of our beaches. Now that lockdown is easing, we have been seeing litter levels increase.

"Through the campaign we want to show people how spotless these beaches were during lockdown and ask people to help #keepitclean by taking their litter home. Many of us really missed visiting the beach during lockdown, me included, so let’s show our beaches the love they deserve and #keepitclean.”

Sophie Colley for Litter Free Dorset added: “Litter Free Dorset’s volunteers can’t take part in the usual monthly litter picks currently, so we are asking everyone to do their bit to #KeepItClean. We have seen an increase in littered PPE which is polluting our water ways as well as and BBQ related litter which can cause devastating wildfires. Please take your litter home.”