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As the sun set over Ramsgate on Saturday the last few planks of wood were collected from the resort's main beach and taken away in a contractor's lorry. It signified the end of what may have been Kent's biggest take-away bonanza, on that beach at least.

It was just four days after an estimated 500 tons of wood were washed up on to Thanet's beaches after being swept into the Channel from a Russian ship.

Police were standing by as the clear-up went on.

By Sunday the operation was nearing its end as tides and winds helped scavengers and the offical clean-up squads to sweep away the timber from all of Thanet's beaches.

John Bunnett from Thanet council said: "It was a straightforward albeit time-consuming and costly operation. It was difficult to gain access to the beach without specialist equipment."

The tide of timber had brought droves of scavengers to beaches in Ramsgate and Broadstairs, despite warnings from officials that any wood taken from the shoreline must be reported to the receiver of wreck within 28 days.

Kent Police, who had sealed off some local roads to prevent freebie hunters gaining access, said it was a criminal offence for anyone recovering timber not to report it.

But seafront residents reported fleets of lorries and vans taking away loads of the wood.

• Watch our video report about the washed up wood at the top of this page.

Alison Kentuck from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) said: "Anyone taking the wood from the beach needs to fill out a simple form which is being handed out by police officers and the coastguard."

A timber reporting line has been established by Kent County Council. Any member of the public sighting washed up timber cargo are requested to call 08458 247247.

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