From syringes to ceramics, fishing line to fence posts and plastics to pushbikes – it's all been found on Northern Ireland's beaches and the Marine Conservation Society (MCS), the UK charity dedicated to protecting our seas, shores and wildlife, says it needs beach lovers to help get the issue on the political agenda.

This year's MCS Beachwatch Big Weekend takes place on the 14th to the 17th of September, and will involve thousands of volunteers taking to the beaches all around the UK coast as well as the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.

During last years event the number of beaches cleaned and volunteers involved in the Province was the best ever. 457 volunteers cleaned 23 beaches – that’s 15 more beaches than in the previous year, but so far in 2012 only six are booked in to be cleaned up in 2012.

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MCS says the lack of volunteer take up could plummet Northern Ireland back in to the beach litter lethargy which it’s suffered from in recent years.

MCS Programme Pollution Manager, Dr Robert Keirle, says it's vital that Northern Ireland keeps up the good work so many people started last year: "As a charity we rely heavily on volunteer support either at events or financially. Beachwatch is a great way for our supporters to get hands on and really make a difference. We'd like to see more people out on beaches this year and more beaches cleaned.

"The Olympics seem to have slowed down the registration of both beach organisers and volunteers, now it’s all over we’re urging people to sign up and make this the biggest and best year for Beachwatch in Northern Ireland. However if people can’t make it to a beach they can always donate or become a member to ensure this type of event continues and we can all do our bit to reduce beach litter."

(CD/GK)