VOLUNTEERS turned out in force to help clear up litter from an increasingly popular beach in east Durham.

About 20 volunteers combed Crimdon beach for litter and removed about 60 bags of rubbish after just two hours.

The latest clean-up was prompted by Hartlepool resident Nigel Wall, who is a regular visitor.

Durham Heritage Coast project officer Louise Harrington said: “We do litter picks on the coast regularly.

“We were contacted Mr Wall who said the litter had got quite bad again and asked if we had plans for a litter pick.

“We thought we would grab the opportunity and organise one. Mr Wall got some volunteers together and we put posters in the Crimdon and Blackhall area and on social media.

“More than 20 people responded, which is great.”

She added: “Most of it is from lazy picnickers, who go down to the beach with all their food and everything and for some reason they don’t bring their rubbish back up.

“Most people are responsible, but if you imagine just five families leaving their mess each time, it all adds up to a mess.

“There are problems with broken bottles, which can obviously be a hazard for anyone walking barefeet and to dogs.

“We would urge people to take their rubbish away from the beach. If the bins are full leave it next to the bin or even better just take it home and bin it.”