A group of apprentices from Cornwall Council have been getting their hands dirty and helping to clean the rubbish off a beach in West Cornwall.

The group, who are studying a business administration qualification with Cornwall College, descended on Gwithian armed with black bags and rubber gloves.

The event was organised by apprentice Callum Rosser who said: “I organised the event because as an apprentice I thought I should get to know the other apprentices, working at the council. That way we could trade stories and trade tips to help each other out as we progress towards our chosen career. Throughout the whole process of organising the event I received a lot of support, I was having meetings to catch up with the other apprentices and our leader.”

In a few hours the group managed to collect five large bin bags full of rubbish, some fishing equipment and lots of rope; all of which had been washed up on the shoreline.

Callum added: “I believe we were very successful mainly because of the positive attitude that everyone brought with them. We managed to get five full bags of litter that day and I’d say the pasties at lunch really help us achieve this.”

The Cornwall College Group, which incorporates Duchy College, Falmouth Marine School, Bicton College and Cornwall College Business (CCB), are the largest provider of apprenticeships for 16 to 18-year-olds in the South West. Currently there are over 100 vacancies in a range of subject areas including agriculture, business, construction and the built environment, engineering, hairdressing, horticulture, and hospitality and catering, IT in a range of levels from intermediate to higher level.