A team of students are heading to a Scottish island to carry out some environmental work with Beach Buddies.

The young people, who are in their late teens and early 20s, are members of the employability skills group at University College Isle of Man.

They have teamed up with beach cleaning charity Beach Buddies to travel to Arran, the largest isle in the Firth of Clyde, where around three quarters of the litter on its beaches is plastic.

Arran attracts more than 400,000 visitors a year who go to explore its beautiful countryside.

Founder of Beach Buddies, Bill Dale, said: ’In recent months I’ve been helping at UCM with a number of projects and have become involved with those who have, at times, struggled with their education for one reason or another, yet want to succeed in life.

’They are such a likeable and enthusiastic bunch and have joined the skills group to try and enhance their chances of getting jobs on the island.

’Not only have they been encouraged to obtain qualifications, but we are helping them get involved in community projects and have started clean-up community sessions all over the place.

’At the end of this, Beach Buddies will be delighted to give each of the group a reference when they apply for a job, based on personal knowledge of what they are capable of achieving and an honest appraisal on their ability to be a good employee.’

Kate Bergquist, employability and skills coordinator at UCM, said the trip will make a ’big difference’ to some of the students’ lives, especially when trying to seek future employment.

She added: ’I call this group of students the "The Dream Team" because they really are determined to make a difference and overcome their individual difficulties to help create a better community.’

The trip is being sponsored by the Steam Packet which is supporting the group with their travel to the island. Chief executive Mark Woodward said the company was ’delighted to support such a positive initiative’.