WEST Dorset MP Oliver Letwin joined helpers for a beach clean at Abbotsbury.

The work was being carried out as part of a nationwide operation by Marine Conservation Society volunteers.

The clean-up was also used to highlight calls for a Marine Act to reform inshore fisheries management, introduce marine conservation zones and other wildlife conservation.

Society senior policy officer Melissa Moore said: "We are pleased at the way the clean up went, particularly with Oliver Letwin's presence showing an MP prepared to get his hands dirty and support our urgent call for a Marine Act."

She added that most of the rubbish collected had been plastic which could be a danger to marine life.