HARDWORKING volunteers turned out in force to ensure a popular stretch of coastline remained in tip top condition.

As many as 100 people scoured the beach at Thorpeness yesterday picking up litter.

The volunteers collected around 60 bags of rubbish as they made their way north towards Sizewell.

Organiser Bill Crow said the event was an unprecedented success and thanked everyone for their efforts.

However he said more rubbish than ever before appeared to have washed up on shore, possibly from oil tankers moored off the Suffolk coast at Southwold.

“I don’t know for sure but until someone proves me wrong that is my belief,” he said. “I have been doing this six or seven years and it is certainly worse.

“We are finding lots of little plastic cups and a lot of crystalline paraffin wax - they are not things that residents or tourists would leave.

“In any case I think now, dare I say it, there is a certain level of responsibility and people tidy up after themselves.”

Commenting on the clean Mr Crow added: “It went incredibly well, the sunshine definitely helped. We had lots of families to help out. We try and make it as fun as possible. There was an enormous squad of people.

“We all have an interest in keeping the beach tidy.”

After the clean the volunteers returned to the Dolphin Inn, where they were treated to wine and cheese. Bedfords estate agents and Thorpeness Hotel and Country Club also supported the litter pick.