LITTERBUGS have dumped all kinds of waste on the Jurassic Coast – even a kitchen sink.

More than 100 bags of rubbish were collected in a recent beach clean on the world heritage site.

The haul included a suit jacket, chimney pot, paint roller, sofa stuffing, golf balls and a kitchen sink.

Now a new campaign has been launched to stop beachgoers using the Jurassic Coast as a tip.

Organisations have joined forces to launch the Litter Free Coast and Sea Campaign to tackle the growing problem of litter and rubbish blighting the world heritage site and threatening marine wildlife.

The war on litter will feature events, projects and publicity over the next six months to keep the beaches clean.

Campaign co-ordinator Matilda Bark, from the Dorset Coast Forum, said: “Marine and beach litter affects so many people in so many different ways along this coastline.

“In less than a year people will be flocking to this area to see the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic sailing events.

“This campaign can help us make sure that our seas and coast are free from litter before, during and long after the Games.”

Last month, 257 volunteers took part in beach cleans on the Dorset and East Devon coast, collecting more than 100 bags of rubbish.

The haul included 234 plastic bags, 314 drinks bottles, 552 bottle caps and lids, and over 1,000 crisp, sweet and sandwich wrappers.

Coun Robert Gould, Dorset County Council Cabinet member for the environment, said: “Litter looks horrible on our beaches. It also costs lots of money for local councils to clear it up, is a safety issue for beach and coastal users and it can get washed into the sea, harming marine creatures and damaging boat equipment.”

He added: “Volunteers help clear tonnes of rubbish from our shores every year, and their commitment is exemplary.

“However, with more people using our coastal areas every year, we need to aim to stop litter at its source in order to effectively maintain a beautiful and safe area for people to enjoy and to protect our internationally important sites for wildlife.”

The new campaign, supported and funded by the Jurassic Coast Trust, the Crown Estate and the Dorset and East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’s Sustainable Development Fund, aims to raise awareness and draw on public help.

Visitors are urged to put food in reusable carrier bags, place rubbish in a bin, and take drinks bottles home to recycle. If using a barbecue and it is too hot to move, people can use sea water to cool it down before taking it home.

Accommodation providers and coastal recreation clubs are being asked to display campaign posters by emailing m.bark@dorsetcc.gov.uk For information visit the website jurassiccoast.com/marine-litter