THIRTY volunteers came from across Devon to help clean Teignmouth beach.

They joined locals, and were joined by local MP Anne Marie Morris, in removing three bags of rubbish.

It was part of a national annual beach clean survey, and was organised by Cllr Phil Bullivant.

All the items collected will be analysed by the Marine Conservation Society.

The junk was made up of cigarette butts, bottle caps, and general small items of plastic and glass, a broom handle and five bags of dog mess left on the beach.

‘It was pleasing to note that the seaward side of the beach contained very little rubbish, which is why it was awarded a blue flag,’ said Cllr Bullivant.

Responding to a complaint by a Newton Abbot man who took part in the clean up, that he was asked to wear a Conservative T-shirt, Cllr Bullivant said it was not compulsory.

‘The required insurance cover for the event was by provided by the Newton Abbot Conservative Association. I also had some bright blue Conservative tops that help the volunteers to stand out, and offered them to anybody who wanted to wear one. Some did and some did not.

‘I have organised these clean-ups before, and it is certainly not political. We did it to help the community.’