HUNDREDS of surfers, paddle boarders and swimmers descended on Saltburn beach this morning in protest of sewage being spilled into the sea.

The Northern Echo: Saltburn Beach protestSaltburn Beach protest

The Surfers Against Sewage group met at Saltburn Pier dressed in wetsuits and swimming costumes with banners and boards which said messages such as 'Stop sewage save seas' and 'This is serious'.

The Northern Echo: Laura Burniston, Anne Burniston and Claire McCabeLaura Burniston, Anne Burniston and Claire McCabe

Pictured above, three women who swim regularly in the sea at Saltburn were out supporting the cause.

Laura Burniston said: "We're out today because we just want things to change and to get better. We swim everyday. We want to cut the crap.

Read more: Climate group to protest at Saltburn beach after 'human faeces' leaked from sewage

"It's getting worse as the years go on. We really enjoy swimming, but sometimes we don't want to go in the water.

The Northern Echo: Edith Reeve delivering a speechEdith Reeve delivering a speech

Edith Reeve, organiser of the event who lives in Saltburn and own a refill shop The Cut Back, delivered a speech on the pier which was then followed by a two minute silence for the sea, with children drumming during it.

Edith said: "I'm really excited and happy to see the support we're getting from thbe public. I hope this shows our MP [Simon Clarke], councillors and Northumbria Water that the community is concered about the oceans."

Jessie Joe Jacobs, former candidate for Tees Valley Mayor also attended and gave a speech.

Ms Jacobs, who runs Saltburn Surfers said: "It's important that we've got the community together. I stand here today as an ordinary citizen, as a surfer who loves our seas.

"We've seen over the last few weeks, a whwole load of crabs and dead sealife, I think this has brought home to people how important it is that we protect the planet.

"We know with climate change if we don't act now, if changes aren't made now we're going to see millions of animals dying because of man made decisions.

"Today there are more people than I've ever seen - we need change."

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