THE Prime Minister has recognised Martin Dorey, from Bude, for his voluntary work promoting marine conservation.

Martin is making it quick and easy for large numbers of people to get involved in cleaning up our seas.

He is the founder of the non-profit Beach Clean Network and the originator of their #2minutebeachclean campaign, which has become one of the fastest growing online environmental movements.

Inspired to act after the 2013 North Atlantic storms, which left UK beaches littered with plastic waste, Martin launched the viral hashtag which has since been used over 70,000 times on Instagram and thousands more on other social media channels.

The online project quickly expanded into a nationwide campaign, thanks to appearances on Springwatch and mentions on the Blue Planet II website.

Martin and his team have recently developed a beach clean station that offers beachgoers an opportunity to get involved with the campaign. There are 400 of them across the UK and Ireland, with more coming inland too. In trials in 2015 the stations demonstrated a 61% decrease in beach litter logged during regular beach cleans as a result of the sign.

Martin is the latest recipient of the Points of Light award, which recognises outstanding volunteers who are making a change in their community and inspiring others.

Each day, someone, somewhere in the country is selected to receive the award to celebrate their remarkable achievements.

To coincide with World Oceans Day on Friday, June 8, the Prime Minister recognised outstanding volunteers whose work is making a real difference to ocean conservation efforts.

In a personal letter to Martin, Prime Minister Theresa May said: “Your #2minutebeachclean campaign demonstrates how small individual contribution can grow into an incredible force for good when so many people are inspired to act. This important work is bringing people together to help tackle the global issue of plastic pollution in our seas.”

Martin said: “I am thrilled to be recognised, and grateful that the PM also recognises the work of the #2minutebeachclean and the army of followers around the world who go out of their way to pick up litter and inspire others to do the same. But there is still much to do, so we can’t rest on our laurels just yet.

“Our litter data collecting app, 400 beach clean stations and growing network are already doing so much to inspire change and help clear up, but our ambition is to change the way we all visit an and every open space by leaving it better than it was before we arrived. If each of us can do that, and can help to stop the flow to the ocean by boycotting single use plastics and changing our plastic habits, then we’re getting somewhere. Thank you.”

Scott Mann, Conservative MP for North Cornwall, said: “I want to congratulate Martin on receiving this award from the Prime Minister which recognises his hard work to protect the environment and keep our beaches clean and safe.

“There is a much heightened awareness of plastic pollution at the moment with various national and local campaigns, and we need to continue this to make sure that we genuinely tackle the amount of plastic entering our oceans and embrace friendlier alternatives.”

Martin is the 921st winner of the Points of Light award, which has been developed in partnership with the hugely successful Points of Light programme in the USA.

Over 6,000 Points of Light have been awarded in the USA, and former presidents have publicly supported the partnership with Points of Light UK. There is a similar cross-party approach to the UK programme and MPs from different parties often present their constituents with their Points of Light awards.

Regardless of whether it’s a doctor restoring local monuments in her free time, a father teaching young people life skills, or a local musician giving a voice to lonely people, the Points of Light award honours shining examples of volunteering across the UK.