VOLUNTEERS helped collect 130 bags of rubbish from the sand of two East Durham beaches.

Volunteers from Northumbrian Water and Durham Wildlife Trust braved fog and persistent rain yesterday (Wednesday October 24) to help National Trust Rangers clear up Blast and Hawthorn beaches, near Seaham. National Trust

Ranger Kate Phillips said: “National surveys suggest that there are nearly 200 items of litter for every kilometre of beach.

“This litter has a huge impact on the environment, it kills wildlife, looks disgusting, is a hazard to our health and costs millions to clear up.

“It was great to see people taking time out of work to help make a big difference to this part of the coastline.