Beach Buddies founder Bill Dale has spoken out to say his charity is not connected to a fundraising page for cleaning the island’s coastline.

An appeal online to help clear coves around the Manx coastline of marine rubbish is seeking to raise £5,000 for equipment.

However, Mr Dale has released a statement saying that while people can donate if they want to, neither his charity nor Sea Kayaking Isle of Man have anything to do with it.

Mr Dale said: ’We have conducted a number of events with volunteers to clear up several coves in different parts of the island and together we are planning further events. Beach Buddies is also linking up with a boat owner in the west who will help with coves on the southwestern coastline.

’All of these operations were carried out by us voluntarily for no charge. Beach Buddies and Sea Kayaking have no idea why £5,000 is needed to fund the new project. Whilst the cause is honourable, appealing for £5,000 is not.’

The funding page says: ’We are in need of funding to help with the cost of replacement/additional safety equipment, personal protection equipment, exposure protection such as wet suits, waterproof jackets and footwear, extraction equipment/tools, kayaks, tow lines, transport costs/equipment and more.’