Andy Dinsdale, fom The Marine Conservation Society said: "They were able to clear the longest stretch of beach yet.

"All the rubbish collected was also carefully recorded so that the main sources of litter could be identified.

"Most came from beach visitors and fishing related activities, but of all the litter found over 70 percent was plastic.

"This survey is one of four per year, and part of the Marine Conservation Society's Adopt-a-Beach scheme. This involves local communities in surveying and clearing litter from beaches, with training and support from the Marine Conservation Society, and locally RSPCA Mallydams Wood.

"The results are to be used at a local level to target particular local sources of marine litter.

"Plastic in its various shapes and forms can be devastating for wildlife.

"Seabirds and seals are among the animals taken to RSPCA Mallydams wood that suffer from discarded human rubbish."

If anyone is interested in being part of the next beach survey in April, please contact Andy Dinsdale on 0300 1230750 or adinsdale@rspca.org.uk