A team which helps to keep waste off the town’s seafront has been shortlisted for a national award.

The Dorset Waste Partnership’s beach cleaning crew in Weymouth have been named as a finalist in the Team of the Year (Public Sector) category in the National Recycling Awards 2018.

They will be competing against eight other recycling and waste management teams from councils across the country to win the accolade.

The awards are held every year at a ceremony in London and bring together 650 industry professionals on one day.

Organisers have introduced Team of the Year (Public Sector) as one of four new categories for this year, which will be judged live on the day in front of a panel.

Councillor Tony Alford, chairman of the Dorset Waste Partnership’s joint committee, said: “The Dorset Waste Partnership is delighted that our beach cleaning team in Weymouth has been shortlisted for this award.

“The team works seven days a week, making sure the area looks its best all year round. Working closely with Weymouth and Portland Borough Council, they keep the beach clean and free from litter while also ensuring that bins are emptied regularly, one-off incidents are dealt with quickly and roads and pavements are kept tidy and safe for residents and visitors, who are vital to the local economy.

“They also service the many events that take place along the seafront and harbourside, ranging from the internationally known Weymouth Seafood Festival to the Christmas Santa Swim.

“I am very impressed with the work that the beach cleaning team do, and I wish them every success when the results are announced in June.”

The theme for this year's awards is ‘Raising Standards and Embracing our Workforce’ where there will be discussions over how to improve business efficiencies and embrace a waste-less culture. Industry leaders will give talks on subjects such as redesigning products in a throw-away world and forward thinking ideas within a changing policy environment.

The awards will be held at the London Hilton on Park Lane on Thursday, June 28.