A team of volunteers have just completed a clean up of Browns Bay beach, Islandmagee as part of the Marine Conservation Society's (MCS) Beachwatch 2008, the UK's biggest national beach litter survey and clean-up.

Local volunteers helped to make a practical difference to their local beach by removing rubbish from the whole stretch of beach. The rubbish collected was also recorded, so that the main sources of the litter could be identified. The beach litter survey recorded a total of 172 items. The 5 most common litter items recorded on the day were cigarette butts, ceramic and glass pieces, fishing line/net/rope, mesh and plastic bags and plastic crisp/sweet wrappers. Unusual items found included a large section of a manhole cover, sand bags and large pieces of wood.

The beach survey showed that the major source of beach litter was beach visitors, who forget to use public bins when taking food or drink or having a smoke.

Elena Aceves-Cully, local organiser of the event, added: "Often people who visit the beach do not use bins provided, spoiling the beach for other visitors. Larne Council need to ensure that adequate bins are provided and emptied regularly, but most importantly individuals must take responsibility for their own actions, and remember never to leave litter on the beach. It was also disappointing to find several dog faeces, despite the fact that dog litter bins are available nearby. All participants expressed an interest in doing this again in the future. I think it is a great way to make children in particular more aware of litter and of the need of keeping beaches clean."

Larne Borough Council, which employs a beach cleaner during the summer months, readily supported the event. Elena expressed her gratitude to the Council for its help: "I would like to thank Larne Borough Council and in particular the Countryside Officer, Linda Foy for all the support they have given us and their efficiency in providing us with cleaning equipment and materials as well as in picking up the rubbish after the event. I am also very grateful to Jennifer Smith from Tidy NI for helping me to organise the event and for providing Coca-cola sponsored soft drinks."