A CAR bonnet and underwear were among items which volunteers found when they cleaned a Sunderland beach.

Adults and children joined Sunderland City Council's sustainability team in removing rubbish from the sands at Hendon at the weekend.

They collected half a tonne of waste, mostly litter and drink cans, that filled 20 plastic sacks.

The volunteers also recorded what they found to build up a picture of where litter is dropped on the beach.

The event was part of a national initiative, Beachwatch 2001, which is being organised by the Maritime Conservation Society at beaches around the country.

The council's sustainability coordinator Steve Graham said: "It was a really great day and the energy and commitment shown by everybody involved demonstrates people's determination to protect their recreation and natural environment.

"The amount of rubbish we collected in such a short period of time, only two-and-a-half hours, also shows what a difference only a few people can make in a such a short time.

"Hendon beach is a wonderful asset for the city and continuing to keep it clean is a must for all of us."

John Reeves, of the Maritime Conservation Society, said: "It was great to see so many people offering their time to take care of our coastal environment."