ARMED with litter pickers, gloves and bin bags, over 30 volunteers from the Port of Tilbury, Tilbury on the Thames Trust, Port of Tilbury Police and members of the public organised a cleanup of the local coastal area. The team at the Port of Tilbury organised the cleanup in the area of the local foreshore and pathways beside the International Cruise Terminal.

The team worked hard and the cleanup removed an impressive 64 bags of waste weighing 128kg from the coastal environment.

Meanwhile in Scotland, Forth Ports volunteers also took part in a number of beach cleans including Grangemouth, Leven, Methil, Portobello, Port of Leith, Bo'ness, Kirkcaldy and Crail with charity partners Balanced Horizon as part of the Big Forth Cleanup initiative .

Commenting on the cleanup, Forth Ports Head of Sustainability Katy Reid said: "It was great to see Forth Ports people from across our ports out in force and joined by community groups and local stakeholders to take part in the cleanup. The enthusiasm shown by everyone taking part created a very positive atmosphere and enjoyable experience for all.

"The aim of the cleanup was simple: to bring people together to care for the places we all value, remove waste from our coastline and waterways, protect wildlife, and inspire long-term community action."