Hundreds of cruise ship passengers visiting the island in March will take part in beach cleaning sessions with Beach Buddies.

Beach Buddies has teamed up with Cruise Isle of Man to host the events on the southern coastline for passengers on two Hurtigruten cruises which are due to visit on March 2 and 11.

It is believed to be the world’s first-ever event of this kind for cruise ship passengers.

Bill Dale, founder of Beach Buddies, said: ’We are really pleased to be asked to host the two beach cleaning events for Hurtigruten’s passengers.

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’We also have other environmental projects under discussion for future visits.

’We don’t know of anything else like this anywhere else in the world, so this is another major first for Beach Buddies and the Isle of Man and will showcase just what a very special place this is.’

Kris Willassen, itinerary planner at Hurtigruten, said: ’We’re guests in these destinations, so we want to ensure that every shore visit enriches the lives of the local communities, as well as our passengers and crew.

’Our aim is to only ever leave a footprint that we’re proud of.’

The team works with local communities - before, during and after each cruise ship call - to protect destinations.

MS Fridtjof Nansen is the newest addition to Hurtigruten’s fleet.

It’s a 140-metre long, battery hybrid-powered ship with a capacity for 530 passengers.

Facilities include three restaurants, infinity pool and hot tubs and science centre.

The shop carries expedition equipment including kayaks and underwater drones.

In addition to a stop in the Isle of Man, the cruise passengers are also scheduled to head south to visit the Isles of Scilly, Fowey, in Cornwall, and Dartmouth, in Devon.