A massive clean-up on Saturday (14 September) organised by the Exe Estuary Management Partnership brought together 110 volunteers and several local businesses to clear hazardous rubbish from a popular beauty spot in Exmouth.

In the bi-annual clean-up event, piles of rubbish were pulled from the estuary, making it safer for visitors to the Local Nature Reserve in Exmouth.

Hazardous items such as sheets of metal, broken crab pots, rusting car wheels and glass were removed from the area, creating a safer environment for recreational users, families and the protected local wildlife.

Some of the more unusual items found, included rolls of carpet, a mop head and an ornate clay smoking pipe.

Several local businesses stepped in to support this large clean-up of the estuary. Volunteers were treated to a delicious meal from the award-winning Krispies Fish & Chips, voted one of the best chip shops in the UK, and were provided with fresh fruit from McDonald's before the clean-up.

Stuart Line Cruises, who are a long-term sponsor of these events, also took all volunteers on a cruise of the estuary after the clean-up. On board the cruise, ACE Music filled the sea air with jazz tunes.

Equipment for the clean-up was very kindly donated by Clear-Reach Exterior Cleaning Specialist and East Devon District Council was able to remove and recycle the rubbish collected.

Chair of the Exe Estuary Partnership, Cllr Jeff Trail BEM said: "Over the many years that the partnership has coordinated clean-up events, there has been a significant decrease in rubbish found in the area.

"This is a very promising sign, indicating that the clean-ups are having a positive effect on the health of the estuary and that people's attitudes towards rubbish are changing. I would like to thank everyone who contributed to the event with such enthusiasm."

Cllr Richard Scott said: "The partnership continues to go from strength to strength, the clean-up and other events around the estuary demonstrate the high levels of engagement from residents, user groups and businesses.

"I would like to thank all involved in the day and in particular the businesses that supported the clean-up and entertained all the volunteers."

The owners of Krispies Fish & Chips, Tim and Kelly Barnes said: "Krispies are delighted to once again support the Exe Estuary Beach Clean.

"We are passionate about keeping our local environment clean so wildlife can thrive, and everyone is able to enjoy this incredible piece of coastline."

Exe Estuary Officer Stephanie Harper-Chung said: "The dedication of the volunteers and local businesses who offer their time to look after our protected estuary is outstanding.

"These people make a massive difference to the health of the Exe and I'm proud to be a part of this community."