AN ARMY of volunteers will hit the beaches across Dorset to give them a spring clean.

The Great Dorset Beach Clean is back - running from today until Sunday, April 10.

Entering its 32nd year for 2022, there will be 16 beach cleans hosted by a variety of Dorset organisations and community groups covering the whole of the county's coast.

Clean-ups today include Castle Cove Beach in Weymouth, Lulworth Cove, Durdle Door and Studland while tomorrow the focus is on beaches at Bowleaze Cove, Ferrybridge, Cogden, Seaton and Lyme Regis.

See the full list and find out more at http://www.litterfreedorset.co.uk/get-involved/

Volunteers at Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre will be hosting the clean-up at Charmouth at 3pm on April 10.

Volunteer Lin Scully said: "As we all now know plastic is bad news for marine wildlife.

"We must do all we can to improve the situation by cleaning up our coastline.

"A fantastic turnout is expected from locals and visitors alike who want to keep our beaches in a pristine condition in order to help the survival of the creatures and plant life of our seas."

Organised by Litter Free Dorset, an environmental group who campaign to reduce inland, coastal and marine litter, they hope to see as many residents as possible from the county get involved and help clear up the Dorset coast.

Sophie Colley, Litter Free Dorset’s coordinator, said: “Get involved with this year’s Great Dorset Beach Clean to have some fun, meet like-minded people from the community and take part in an Easter litter hunt.

“Help us clear up our beaches prior to the summer season so we can spread the message that in Dorset we like to keep our beaches clean.”

Last year more than 300 volunteers took part in 19 beach cleans across the county clearing 165 bags of rubbish including tyres, buried rusty lobster pots, tents, oil drums and a gazebo from Dorset’s beaches.