A visiting scout group are urging beachgoers to think twice before littering after completing a two minute beach clean on Sidmouth beach.

The 27 strong group from the 8th West Wickham in Kent were camping in Ashclyst Forest for a week and decided to visit the town.

The youngsters teamed up with Sidmouth Plastic Warriors and spent 45 minutes tidying the beach before listening to a talk from the chair of the group

Denise Bickley.

Scout leader Stuart Haydon said the group like to carry out a project while on camp.

He added: “I have never seen such enthusiasm from the Scouts to make a positive impact on our environment. I am very proud of each one of them, and had to actually stop them working so they had time for a swim.”

Scout Erin Harrington, 13 years old, said: “We were doing the beach clean so that we could help the environment and inspire other towns and cities to become plastic free and environmentally friendly. I was surprised how much plastic pollution we found and this must change. People should not leave rubbish on the beach as it can be a danger to animals and their habitats, and it also drives tourists away.”