Calls for Thanet to become a 'plastic bag free’ island follow a clean-up of Margate beach on Saturday.

Organisers of the Beachwatch event, which was one of hundreds of similar clean-ups across the UK, filled bin bags with rubbish including plastic, glass and cigarette ends.

Volunteer Brian Smith-Stewart said: “The biggest problem, as it was last year, has been the amount of plastic, particularly plastic bags, although the number of beer glasses on the beach was a surprise.

“It’s important that we get the message across about the harm that plastic can do to the environment.

“Perhaps it’s time to suggest that Thanet becomes plastic bag free. It’s been successful elsewhere and I’m confident we could get our local politicians and shopkeepers on board.”