The record books were re-written on Sunday when 356 people took part in the Year of Our Island Big Beach Clean.

Political support was provided by the Chief Minister and 14 other members of Tynwald who rolled their sleeves up and took part in the event, which saw a total of 11 beaches tackled around the Isle of Man, including the Calf of Man.

The total beat the previous record of 229 for a volunteer Beach Buddies event set by Barclays Bank staff in April.

The initiative was part of the 2018 Year of Our Island celebrations.

The ’Year of Our Island’ encourages people to ’explore more and do more’ this year.

The month of June focusses on seas and shores and Sunday was an opportunity for people to ’do more’ for their community and the environment, and organisers were delighted that a record of 156 new volunteers took part for the first time.

Chief Minister Howard Quayle, who took part at Port Soderick, said: ’Ive really enjoyed getting involved and it’s been great to see so many people helping to look after our special island in this way.

’It is important for us to not only get out and explore more and to get value from our surroundings, but to also care for them.’

Beach Buddies founder Bill Dale said: ’The statistics speak for themselves, but the real story is how everyone who took part is helping our very special environment and unique wildlife.

’Having clean beaches is the visual result, but the priority has always been to keep the shoreline environment free from rubbish, which harms sea animals and seabirds. The very small pieces of broken-down plastic, especially, are really important to remove as these are often found in the stomachs of dead seabird chicks.

Beach Buddies is sponsored by FIM Capital.