MORE than 80 volunteers turned out for the first Watchet community beach clean and litter pick of the year to collect cans, bottles, containers, and packaging from the beach and around the town, much of it single-use plastic.

The spring event, organised by local volunteers was part of the Plastic Free Communities initiative spearheaded by Surfers Against Sewage which aims to see a reduction in the amount of unnecessary single-use plastic produced, used, and discarded every year.

Among the volunteers were ‘eco warriors’ from Knights Templar School, Watchet, who represent their class throughout the year by championing care for the environment.

One seven-year-old eco warrior said: “It is important to look after the planet and protect the world from bad stuff happening to it - like littering and rubbish ending up in the sea.

‘It was good to clean the beach and get rid of the rubbish that should not be there.”

After an hour of scouring the town and coastline, the volunteers returned to The Sanctuary, in Swain Street, to sort rubbish which included a plastic flower, a charity collection tin, a jumper, carpet, and the sole of a Converse boot.

The sorting process involved a brand audit with Monster, Cadburys, Coca-Cola, Thatchers, Red Bull, and Co-op all scoring highly, and results will be sent to Surfers Against Sewage for its UK-wide report.

Volunteers were provided with drinks and cakes from Watchet Baptist Church.

Organiser Andy Levett said: “What a turn-out.

“It is so encouraging to see the response we had today, with people of all ages really wanting to make a difference.

“As much as possible from today has been recycled but we know we cannot recycle our way out of this.

“I think we were all reminded of the importance of reducing the plastic we use every day.”