Crantock Beach is a lot cleaner thanks to a group of environmentally conscious volunteers.
More than 50 residents, the Eden Project and local parliamentary officials took part in a litter pick, which was organised by independent pub company Punch Pubs & Co, in partnership with Sharp’s Brewery and Biffa waste management.
The community beach clean saw more than 35kg of waste collected, which has since been placed into Biffa’s respected commodity markets.
Pre and post beach clean participants gathered at The Cornishman pub, which is part of Punch’s leased and tenanted estate, where publican Dave Ruddock supported the event offering pasties and pints.
Punch Pubs CEO Clive Chesser said: “I’m incredibly proud of what the team has achieved and want to say a huge thank you to all of the people who not only took part, but who also worked hard to make this event happen.
“I would also like to thank The Cornishman for their generosity and hospitality.
“This is a fantastic example of communities and our industry coming together to ensure greater awareness of the causes and consequences of marine litter.
“Sustainability has become an area of increasing focus at Punch and reflects our position as a modern, progressive pub company.
“We have many exciting projects underway as we continue to help drive changes in this space and commit to a better world.”
Liam Woods, Biffa’s corporate account manager, added: “We take great pride at Biffa in supporting local sustainability projects and we’re thrilled to have worked alongside Punch in the Crantock Community Beach Clean, helping to ensure our wonderful coastline is protected for the enjoyment of everyone.
“Our collaboration aims not only to preserve the natural beauty of the coastline, but also to reduce carbon emissions by recycling as much waste as possible through our extensive recycling capabilities."
James Nicholls from Sharp’s Brewery said: “With our brewery situated so near the coast in Rock, Cornwall, taking care of our beaches and coastline is really important to us.
“We are always considering ways in which we can continue to protect the coast and we’re delighted to add our support to Punch Pubs and the Cornishman pub for the Crantock Beach Clean.
“It’s always inspirational to see a community come out in force in this way, and rewarding for all to know that they are doing their bit for our coastline and our ocean.
“Thank you from Sharp’s to all the volunteers who participated and to all at Punch Pubs & Co for setting up the initiative.”
Punch is hoping to broaden the initiative across the UK, and sign-up many more of their pubs to get involved in clearing up local beaches, woodland and rivers, protecting the environment and reducing waste.