YMCA club members help tackle rubbish issue

The initiative, part of the Marine Conservation Society’s Big Beach Clean up, involved schools, community organisations and individuals from Larne, Carrick and Newtownabbey working together to collect rubbish from local beaches.

A massive 6,278 items of rubbish were removed, including tyres, toys and numerous plastic bags.

Speaking after the clan up, YMCA play co-ordinator Laura Hunter said: “The children worked really hard and it was amazing to see the amount of rubbish that they cleared from such a small part of the beach, including cans, plastic bags, bottles and more.

“It was a good way of helping them learn about the dangers caused by dumped rubbish and its effect on some of our most beautiful places. Hopefully it will encourage them to do their part in looking after our environment so it can be enjoyed by everyone, free from rubbish.”