AN army of volunteers is needed to help clean Dorset’s beaches next weekend.

Dorset County Council’s ranger service is calling on people who love the county’s coastline to join them for the 2011 Great Dorset Beach Clean on Sunday, April 17.

Now in its 23rd year the Great Dorset Beach Clean not only clears the beaches ready for the summer months, but raises awareness of the problems of coastal pollution.

Last year, nearly 800 volunteers, including more than 100 children, collected 820 bags full of rubbish as well as many larger items from Dorset’s beaches.

Jenny Penney, Dorset County Council coastal ranger, added: “Marine litter is a globally recognised issue, posing a growing threat to our environment and wildlife.

“Plastic makes up the majority of rubbish on our beaches and in the sea itself. “Plastic bottles in particular are carried away by waves to form floating rubbish islands in our oceans.

“Barnacles often stick to rubbish instead of rocks, while birds, fish and sea mammals can get caught in other pieces of plastic. “Everyone is welcome to come and help to reduce the harm being done and make their local beach a more pleasant place to visit. “Every little effort is worthwhile and it can all be done within a couple of hours.”

This year’s event, organised has already secured the support of the local Maritime Volunteer Service (MVS) to do their bit for Dorset’s glorious beaches. The group, which has branches in Poole, Christchurch and Weymouth, is hoping to be joined by hundreds of volunteers of all ages in making a clean sweep of 25 participating beaches between Christchurch and Lyme Regis.

For more information, contact coastal ranger Jenny Penney on 01305 228952 or go to dorsetforyou.com/greatdorset beachclean