ECO-warrior pupils from Knights Templar Community Church School joined about 50 local people to help clean up the town’s beach.

Headteacher Laura Weaver and learning support assistant Anna Wooldridge accompanied the group, who were briefed by the Plastic Free Watchet organising team.

Mrs Weaver said: “We were really pleased to be able to support the beach clean, with many of the children bringing along their parents, too.

“The eco-warriors were all really keen to ensure the beach areas were clean as many of them visit the beach regularly and enjoy crabbing in the rock pools.

“They understand the harm caused to the environment by single use plastics and were fantastic at finding plastic hidden among the seaweed.

“The eco-warriors will be sharing their efforts with the wider school and continuing to spread the vital message that we all have a part to play in looking after our planet.”

The volunteers collected a large amount of rubbish, including some unusual scrap metal items, plastic, glass bottles, and an array of single-use plastic packaging, while the prize for the most unusual item was taken by a plastic toilet seat.

The volunteers retired afterwards to The Sanctuary for drinks and cake and for the collected items to be sorted.

Plastic Free Watchet is part of a national campaign by Surfers Against Sewage which aims to significantly reduce reliance on single-use plastic, much of which ends up on beaches and in the sea.

More information about the campaign can be found on its website here.