DEBRIS from a big clean-up on a Teignmouth harbourside beach has been recycled.

The local harbourmaster, Commander David Vaughan, his two assistants, Humphrey Vince and Jason Bunce, joined forces with Teignbridge Council staff to give the area outside the New Quay Inn a clean sweep.

They acted after a complaint by reader Peter Ward, who lives nearby and complained about the 'filthy state' of the sands.

Armed with pitch forks, rakes, shovels and wheelbarrows, the volunteers got stuck into their task with gusto, despite the appalling weather on Friday.

And welcome refreshments were provided by the landlady of the New Quay.

Other than an abandoned dinghy, a fishing net, and some rusted metal work, all the waste was sent for composting, which was 'a very welcome bonus', according to a Teignbridge spokesman.

He added: 'We are committed to providing a clean environment, and were happy to work alongside our partners to give this beach a clean sweep.'

Cdr Vaughan said it was a rewarding task, but he was disappointed that no members of the public came along to help.