Two hundred bank staff are going to help clean the island’s beaches this weekend.

Barclays is teaming up with Beach Buddies on Sunday, April 29, at nine beaches. The event has been named ’The Big Barclays Beach Clean’.

The employees will tackle beaches including Ramsey, Ballaugh, Castletown, Langness, Port Soderick, Groudle, Happy Valley and Douglas, identified as areas where the volunteers can make a significant impact. Then majority of these beaches also have a Beach Buddies bin there.

’This is a great idea by Barclays,’ said Bill Dale, founder of Beach Buddies.

’We have been discussing the logistics for a little while, to make sure it will run smoothly, and the response from the bank’s colleagues has been very encouraging.

’They are all really excited about making this a very special event, and I hope it’s something we can look to do on an annual basis, particularly given the company has a long tradition of investing in the local community through its Shared Growth and Citizenship agenda.

’I’m issuing only one warning; they all need to understand that beach cleaning is addictive. Once they’ve tried it, they’ll find it almost impossible to stop picking up litter afterwards, wherever they are, not just on the beach!’

Regular Beach Buddies volunteers will be able to join in the event, which takes place during the normal Sunday morning slot for weekly beach cleaning across the island.

Volunteers will be able to choose which event they attend across the Island.

FIM Capital sponsors Beach Buddies.