ORGANISERS say they are ‘delighted’ at the number of volunteers joining in a beach clean on Portland today.

As many as 100 local people are busy filling bags with debris washed up on Chesil beach in the recent storms.

The most common items being cleared off the beach are plastics, bottles, bottle tops and fishing rods.

During other recent beach cleans volunteers found a dead cow and a dolphin.

Both have been removed by the authorities.

Dorset Wildlife Trust communications officer Sally Welbourn, who was busy litter picking this morning, said: “We’re looking at about 100 people coming to take part.

“We’re really happy. The work that’s already been done by the volunteers on Portland has helped.

“People are aware of the situation and they want to help.

“So far we’ve found lots of fishing gear, which is particularly worrying because that’s the kind of thing birds can become tangled up in.

“We’ve also had a few flip flops and shoe insoles, dummies and plastics.”

She said more rubbish is expected to wash ashore tomorrow as heavy rain and strong wind is predicted by the Met Office.

Sally added: “We have litter problems with this beach all year round and that’s why we have regular beach cleans.

“It’s just a case of us being a bit more vigilant and calling on help, which people have been happy to give.”