Pupils at King William’s College heard about the consequences of plastic pollution and the waste that washes up on Manx shores during a visit by Beach Buddies and Manx BirdLife charities.

The children, aged 11 to 13, listened to talks by Beach Buddies founder Bill Dale and Michelle Storton from Manx BirdLife and then took part in a beach cleaning session on Castletown Beach, organised by Bill.

Bill said: ’This was the first school event of the year for Beach Buddies and what a fantastic turn-out it was.

’The students all became really focused on the job in hand and removed 50 bags of rubbish, mostly the small plastic items which can kill small birds.

’They were very enthusiastic and want to take part again, so it was a great morning all round.’