ASYLUM seekers from the Bibby Stockholm barge joined volunteers on a litter pick on Portland

It was the second event of its kind organised by Weymouth and Portland Marine Litter Project and Portland Global Friendship Group.

The group collected litter from pathways, roads, verges and fields in the areas of Easton and Weston on Tophill, Portland.

Sally Davidson, 36, from Easton and a volunteer from Portland Global Friendship Group said: “We were joined by 18 asylum seekers from many countries around the world who help for over two hours picking up litter around Tophill. 

"We received many 'thank yous' along the route with local drivers and walkers stopping to share their appreciation for what we were doing.”

READ MORE: How asylum seekers on the barge are making a difference

The Marine Litter Project is based in Wyke Regis and is a community interest company founded by local environmentalists Jane Fuhrmann and Dave Taylor.

The organisation's main objective is to create community-based projects aimed at reducing the pollution from litter in our seas and on our beaches.

Mr Taylor recently spoke to the Echo about the influx of microplastics and nurdles appearing on Dorset beaches, suggesting that we need to 'tackle the problem at the source.'

Nurdles are by definition a microplastic because they are less than 5mm in size and are melted down and made into many plastic items, from clothes to cars and food wrappers.