VOLUNTEERS who cleaned litter from an east Durham beach also helped to break a national record.

Helpers from the Natural England organisation, based at Castle Eden Dene National Nature Reserve, took part in the Marine Conservation Society's Beachwatch 2006 survey at the end of last year.

Their assistance helped to make the project the UK's largest beach clean-up of its kind.

Adult volunteers and members of the junior conservation group, the Dene Team, cleaned the beach and recorded all the litter found that they found.

Emma Snowden, from the Marine Conservation Society, said: "More than 4,000 volunteers participated in Beachwatch 2006, carrying out clean-ups on a record-breaking 358 beaches."

The survey aims to identify the main causes of beach litter and promote measures to prevent litter at its source.

Ms Snowden said: "Beach visitors were responsible for a third of all litter found, a figure that could easily be reduced if everyone took their litter home with them."

Joe Davies, community liaison officer at Castle Eden Dene, said: "It was a great effort by all those involved, particularly by the children who carry out a great deal of conservation work in the area. They are a shining example to us all."

To find out about the volunteering opportunities at Castle Eden Dene, telephone Mr Davies on 0191-586-0004.