The Port of Dover sponsored an annual Shakespeare Beach survey and clean last weekend.

The event went ahead as part of the Marine Conservation Society’s Beachwatch Big Weekend.

This is organised by the White Cliffs Countryside Partnership (WCCP), and the organisations will jointly carry out the survey.

Last year’s beach clean was branded a “resounding success”, with more than 7,500 items of litter collected.

Paul Sampson, partnership ranger for the WCCP, said: “The beach clean and survey helps us and the MCS to find out what type of litter is making its way by sea to this part of east Kent, as well as to give the shingle beach a deep clean.”

Vicki Jago, environmental manager at the port, said: “The beach clean and survey is a fun event for all the family with prizes awarded at the end of the day, but it is mainly about us all showing our commitment to our community in keeping such valued community assets clean and safe for everyone, including the wildlife that calls Shakespeare Beach its home.”

This is the fifth year the Port of Dover, along with the WCCP, will join hundreds of other Beachwatch events across the country.