Great Solent Beach Clean: Hundreds are expected for Southsea beach clean

The Great Solent Beach Clean, organised by The Final Straw Solent and The News, in association with the Marine Conservation Society, will be held on Saturday, September 15.

Beach cleans will take place in Stokes Bay, Southsea, Eastney and Hayling Island.

In Southsea, beach cleaners will meet at Rocksbys in Clarence Esplanade for 10am, with hundreds of people expected to attend.

Organiser Sergio Di Dino said: '˜It feels great to be a part of something like this.

'˜Already we have more than 150 people signed up on the MCS website and there will be even more people who just turn up on the day '“ it's brilliant and I think this will be the highest amount of people cleaning up the beach at once that we've ever seen.

'˜We usually get around 100 people for our monthly beach cleans, but I wouldn't be surprised if we see more than 400 people at the weekend.'

The event is being supported by a number of groups '“ from the 73rd Portsmouth Scout troop and RAF cadets to Co-Op and Tesco, which will be providing refreshments.

Sergio explained: '˜We have worked with Co-Op in the past and it's great to have their support, and an extra bonus to have Tesco on board as well.

'˜I think it's great to see so many different groups from the community get involved with the beach clean '“ people really understand just how big a difference one person can make.'

To take part in the Great Solent Beach Clean, simply turn up to your closest event for 10am '“ equipment will be provided by event organisers.