BUDEHAVEN pupils started the year with a hefty dose of community spirit when they joined forces with Widemouth Task Force for a beach clean on Summerleaze Beach, reports Annie Creo.

This is the start of a series of beach cleans involving 60 pupils who are part of Year 9 textiles group, led by teachers Sally Scotting and Sarah Windle.

They are hoping to use the debris they have collected to design and make fashion wear to help highlight the issue of marine rubbish.

The items created will not only help the pupils learn through creativity, but also increase their awareness of the environment and the damage caused by plastic pollution.

Ado Shorland, from Widemouth Task Force, explained to the pupils about the damage that marine debris creates, especially to wildlife.

Students were interested to hear about his recent seal pup rescue on Middle Beach that was only a couple of days before. The seal is recovering at the Gweek Seal Sanctuary.

Pupils worked hard to clean Summerleaze Beach and the dunes behind and cleared four large bin liners with rubbish.

Ado said: “Beach cleaning raises awareness of the impact of plastic pollution on our marine environment. We are keen to get younger members involved, as they are the future guardians of our coastline. We are very happy to work with Budehaven pupils, to see them looking after their environment and loving where we live.”

Teacher Sarah Windle added: “It’s great to see the pupils getting involved with Widemouth Task Force and making a difference in our community. Hopefully the pieces they create will further highlight the issue of plastic pollution in our marine environment in a creative way.”