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In perfect weather almost 150 volunteers joined StreetSafe and the Morecambe Bay Partnership in a low-tide walk, beach clean and litter pick on Piel Island. The volunteers, who were lead across the sands to Piel by local walking guide and historian John Murphy, managed to collect more than 500Kg of litter and left the island and it's beaches clean and tidy.

As well as leading the walks to and from Piel, John Murphy held two guided history tours of the island and the castle, and many of the volunteers were very happy of the opportunity to learn more about Piel Island and its history.

Throughout the event the Walney Coastguard and Cumbria Police launches were present in the channel off Piel Island, ready to offer support should it be needed. Members of the Police and Coastguard crews landed on the island and met some of the volunteers. The coastguard also brought their 4x4 rescue vehicle over to Piel in support of the event.

John Irving of Streetsafe said, "A great day was had by all, thank you to all involved. It was also fantastic to see the junior wardens and many families turning out to assist in the event."

Speaking for Morecambe Bay Partnership, Susannah Bleakley said "We are delighted by the support for this event, and even with a very low key approach to the litter pick, over half a tonne has been collected. Perhaps most importantly the event provided a great way to promote all our organisations working in partnership, and we showed off Piel Island at its best. I'd never been before - what a fabulous place, I'm already keen to go again."

John Chattaway the King of Piel said, "Sheila and I would like to say a huge thankyou to all the volunteers and organisers of the Piel Beach clean we really appreciate the interest and support. Thanks too for promoting one of the jewels of the Furness peninsula. Let's do it again next year."

John Irving added, "It's been a great event to get all the agencies, volunteers, families and children working together whilst at the same time having fun. I would like to thank everyone who turned up on the day and I am looking forward to the next event. The partnership is sending out a very clear message, dropping litter spoils the appearance of our communities, we live in a beautiful part of the country and we should all want to make it safer, cleaner, greener and stronger."

The next beach clean events will be Tuesday 10 June, Earnse Bay 5.30 pm - 7.30 pm Wednesday 9 July, Silverdale 10 am to 12 noon Saturday 25 July, Newbiggin 10 am to 12 noon To date the Partnership has worked with over 3,000 volunteers and removed over 25.3 tonnes of litter from the shores of Morecambe Bay. We have three active BeachCare groups that meet regularly to clean the shores of their localities. These are Arnside/Silverdale, Hest Bank/Morecambe and in Furness.

Anyone who is interested to learn more can to contact the Morecambe Bay Partnership on 01539 734888. All our events are listed at www.morecambebay.org.uk

8:47am Wednesday 4th June 2008

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