RESIDENTS are being encouraged to make a special effort for this year's Great Dorset Beach Clean after the MSC Napoli disaster.

Locals are being urged to pitch in on Sunday, April 15, so that everyone can enjoy the county's world-class coastline over the summer months.

Debris from the stricken Napoli has added to the tonnes of rubbish washed up on the shores each year.

Dorset County Council warned that this has highlighted the problems faced by Dorset's beaches and the importance of keeping them clean.

Dorset coast and countryside promotions officer Kirstie Snow said: "Dorset has one of the most dramatic coastlines in the UK, enjoyed by visitors and residents alike.

"Marine land coastal litter represents a significant threat to the natural beauty, safety and wildlife of the beaches we enjoy."

The 19th Great Dorset Beach Clean is being organised by Durlston Marine Project and Dorset Coast Forum, in conjunction with Dorset County Council's countryside service and supported by West Dorset and Purbeck district councils.

The project will involve 22 of the county's beaches cleaned in a single day.

Last year more than 300 volunteers took part, removing nearly 500 bags of plastic and other rubbish from the shore. This year organisers are hoping for an even greater effort, following recent events.

Dorset Coast Forum officer Jodie McGregor said: "We need every pair of hands available on the day.

"So, if you can spare the time to help, please head to one of the beaches listed, where you'll find a beach master who will provide protective gloves and bags."

For more information call 01929 424443 or visit www.jurassiccoast.com

These are the beach times and meeting points on April 15:

Lyme Regis, 10am-12pm, Outside Lifeboat Station

Charmouth, 10am-12pm, Charmouth Heritage Centre

Seatown, 10am-12pm, On the beach

West Bay, 10am-12pm, East Beach car park

Eype, 10am-12pm, Eypesmouth car park

Burton Bradstock, 10am-12pm, car park outside cafe

Cogden, 10am-12pm, Cogden car park

West Bexington, 10am-12pm, beach car park

Abbotsbury, 10am-12pm, beach car park by toilets

Ferrybridge, 10am-12pm, Fleet Information Centre

Chesil Cove, 10am-12pm, Promenade by Cove House Inn

Portland Castle and Sailing Club Beach, 10am-12pm, Portland Castle car park

Church Ope Cove, 10am-12pm, On the beach

Weymouth, 10am-12pm, Stone Pier by Nothe Fort

Bowleaze Cove, 10am-12pm, Beachside Centre car park

Durdle Door, 10am-12pm, far car park by gate and by steps to Durdle Door

Lulworth Cove, 10am-12pm, car park near shop

Kimmeridge, 10.30am-12.30pm, Fine Foundation Centre

Worbarrow Bay, 10.30am-12.30pm, Tyneham car park

Chapmans Pool, 10am-12pm, Chapman's Pool (on foot only)

Swanage, 2pm-4pm, Seafront by Ocean Bay

Shell Bay and Knoll Beach, 2pm-4pm, End of beach off Ferry Road

Steamer Point, Christchurch, 10.30am-12.30pm, End of Penney Way off Seaway Avenue