BEACH-GOERS in Pembrokeshire are being encouraged to give a helping hand in sprucing up the sands.

The latest roll-out in the county of #2MinuteBeachClean boards will boost the campaign to stem the tide of waste on and around county beaches.

A further ten boards will be sited in a variety of seaside locations to virtually double the amount in the county.

The boards contain litter pickers and bags which can be used to collect the rubbish and dispose of in the nearest bin, to be recycled, where possible.

They are allocated to individuals or businesses who ensure the boards are stored away safely when not in use, and well-stocked when they are.

The new boards introduced this summer are being paid for by Pembrokeshire County Council's community enhancement fund, as part of the public toilets charging scheme contract with Danfo (UK) Ltd.

Said the authority's cabinet member for the environment, Councillor Cris Tomos: "Unfortunately, with every tide, a new wave of rubbish is left on our beaches.

"This initiative helps us try and keep on top of that to ensure they are clean for future visitors."

The first #2MinuteBeachClean board in Pembrokeshire was set up in Newgale in 2016 by surfer Paul Hill, who was concerned about the amount of plastic appearing on the beach.

He set up the board with the support of the county council and Keep Wales Tidy, and it proved to be an overwhelming success.

Paul put 20 clean bags in the dispenser every morning, and by the end of each day, they had all been used and the rubbish disposed of.

Following the success of the Newgale scheme, Katie Daly, the council's environmental services project officer, sought funding for more boards in Pembrokeshire.

"It's a simple, but brilliant system that helps keep our beaches looking good," said Katie.

*Individuals or businesses wishing to learn more about hosting a board can do so by calling Pembrokeshire County Council on 01437 764551.