The two beaches in Peel were the target of volunteers at the weekend when Beach Buddies staged its final ‘Big Team Beach Clean’ before Christmas.

A team of 17 joined in the event and removed every piece of rubbish from both Peel and Fenella beaches, filling 12 bin bags, also finding some large items, including a huge piece of rope from a ship.

“It once again shows the value of having volunteers join in a beach cleaning session,” said Beach Buddies founder Bill Dale. “We have had around 150 different volunteers take part in cleaning sessions during the last few months and I am very grateful to each and every one of them for their support. It has made a really big difference.

“What’s really encouraging is that the majority of the volunteers have never been involved in organised beach cleaning before, and many of them have been turning up regularly. This is really positive for the future of our beaches, and especially for the wildlife and marine life which lives in that environment.

“I think 2013 could be a really fantastic year for our volunteers, making a genuine and noticeable difference and finally getting a grip on a problem which has been ignored for far too long in the past.”

‘Big Team’ sessions have been held at Ballaugh, Ramsey, Perwick Bay, Castletown, Douglas, Kirk Michael, Glen Wyllin, Glen Mooar and Peel in recent weeks, leaving each beach spotlessly clean afterwards.

Further team sessions will be staged again in the New Year, although an extra beach clean may take place during the Christmas holidays, depending on the weather.

Further details about Beach Buddies sessions can be found of the Facebook pages (“Beach Buddies Isle of Man”) or by e-mail on beachbuddies@manx.net.