A CAMPAIGN to clean up South Lakeland's beaches has been launched, marking the creation of the first group dedicated to the cause in the region.

LOVEmyBEACH is organising a number of beach cleans over the course of spring, with volunteers taking to the sands at Grange-over-Sands, Milnthorpe and Arnside.

Inspired by David Attenborough’s Blue Planet 2, which aired on the BBC last year, and raised awareness about the issues facing the oceans, the campaign will also encourage people to reduce the amount of waste they generate at home, as much of it ends up un the oceans.

Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron is backing the campaign. He said: "Alongside the Lakes and the Dales, South Lakeland has a stunning coastline. But it’s also where most of the plastic waste from our oceans washes up.

"It is important that as a community we fight to keep our beaches clean while at the same time reduce the amount of plastic we use."

Volunteers, young and old are encouraged to come forward and help remove litter from the beach for an hour or two one Saturday morning.

Three events are planned as follows. The first is at Grange on March 24; the second at Milnthorpe on April 28; and the third at Arnside on May 26. All begin at 10am.

Hannah Barnes, LOVEmyBEACH co-ordinator said: "There are currently no established beach clean groups in the Westmorland and Lonsdale constituency.

"We hope that this series of events organised by Tim Farron and the Liberal Democrats might generate an interest in the local community which can be maintained for years to come."

Volunteers are advised to wear stout footwear (i.e. not sandals or pumps) and bring heavy duty work or gardening gloves where available. Litter pickers, bags and hoops will be provided by LOVEmyBEACH but are limited in numbers.

Booking for the event is not required; simply meet at 10am at the LOVEmyBEACH gazebo to collect your equipment and for a short health and safety briefing.