Isle of Man beach cleaners transform 'eyesores'

Beach Buddies was established in 2006 with the aim of making Manx beaches the cleanest in Europe

Beach cleaning on the Isle of Man coastline over the weekend resulted in a record amount of rubbish being collected, organisers have said.

Volunteer group Beach Buddies said more than 70 island residents gathered a total of 130 bags consisting mainly of rope, plastic and polystyrene.

The group targeted the Point of Ayre on Saturday and Fisher's Hill on Sunday.

Bill Dale, from the organisation, said: "These two areas were a real eyesore, but we have left them spotless."

He added: "Compared to the first two months of 2013, this year's beach cleaning sessions have resulted in more than twice the amount of rubbish being collected, with 50% more volunteers getting involved.

"Just over halfway through the month, the figures for March are already double the amount of 2013."

Beach Buddies, established in 2006, has recently applied for charity status and is challenging its volunteers to make Manx beaches the cleanest in Europe.