A NEW spick-and-span seaside plan designed to tackle the growing problem of coastal litter has been launched.

The Marine Conservation Society is launched the scheme encouraging local communities to adopt-a-beach and care for their coast.

After failing to meet the European Standards for bathing water quality in the past two years, Blackpool and St Annes beaches are in need of some tender, loving care, although St Annes did show a reduction in litter amounts between 1997 and 1998.

MCS is seeking volunteers all around the UK coastline to take part in seasonal beach litter cleans and surveys as part of the project which aims to monitor the condition of the UK coast and to tackle pollution from litter. The most extraordinary finds will contribute to a special display at the Millennium Dome.

Volunteer groups of all ages are needed to get involved and learn more about our fragile coast environments and how they might be protected.

Greg Brina, Adopt-a-Beach project officer comments: "Adopt-a-Beach is a fantastic opportunity for local communities to have fun and learn about the UK coast, while making a real difference to their own living environments.

"Everybody enjoys a trip to the seaside, so what better way to ensure that it's a healthy seaside and adopt-a-beach?"

Adopt-a-Beach is linked to the Millennium Dome through the Living Island Zone, a seaside town complete with beach, promenade, and environmental amusement arcade.

Unusual items found will be exhibited in the Jetsam Collection within the zone and will be credited to the volunteer who found them.

Volunteers wishing to find out more about how to adopt a local beach and care for their coast should contact the scheme's project office on (01989) 762064.

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