The growing movement to eradicate our beaches and coastlines of waste plastic continues with an organised beach clean at Porthtowan early next month.

Beyond the beach clean is the brainchild of first year BTEC business students from Cornwall College. The event is being held at Porthtowan Beach from 2pm on February 9, in conjunction with Surfers Against Sewage (SAS).

The event sprung into life when the students were tasked with creating and organising an event for their BTEC business course.

Student Alanna Randall-Morris said: “After recently seeing many documentaries surrounding the plastic pollution problem, we decided to get involved and help promote the issues. Living close to the coast, we decided on a beach clean.

"Since learning about the plastic problem in our oceans, I’ve started seeing rubbish wherever I go and because I’m now aware of the problem, I want to do even more to help so I have even begun doing mini beach cleans and collecting litter whenever I visit the beach.”

Lecturer, Karis Matik added: “I am so proud of the students for not only deciding to carry out a beach cleaning event, but also the steps that they are taking to reduce their own plastic waste. It would have been much easier for them to plan something simple within the college, such as a bake sale, however the passion and commitment they are showing to beyond the beach clean is amazing.

“One of our key curriculum objectives is to promote employability and working with national organisations to give our students the best opportunities and experiences. Liaising with Surfers Against Sewage has given them a greater understanding of the wider issues and how to facilitate an event.”

Members of the public are invited to attend the event and donations to the charity would be welcome. For more information email the organisers at beyondthebeachclean@gmail.com, or follow them on Facebook #beyondthebeachclean.