Communities First groups from Pembrokeshire and Blaenau Gwent have teamed up to help keep one of Pembrokeshire's most beautiful beaches clean.

Freshwater West beach was the chosen location for a Communities First Beach Day last month.

The event was organised as part of the Marine Conservation Society (MCS) and The Co-operative's programme which aims to clear welsh beaches of litter.

Gill Bell, Lou Luddington (MCS) and Mari Williams, Pembrokeshire's Keep Wales Tidy officer, led the litter survey and beach clean. Over 10 bags of rubbish, mostly plastic and rope, were collected and weighed.

Staff from Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, the National Trust, Pembrokeshire County Council and RNLI beach lifeguards were on hand to ensure that the day was action packed and fun filled.

Pip Welton, from Communities First, said: "Freshwater West beach is a fantastic space for families to enjoy.'

"By taking harmful and unsightly rubbish off the beach and away from the sea we are contributing directly to the well being of this local community; not only does the beach look better, but it is now a safer place for us all to enjoy. The clean up has also helped make sure that there is a clean and healthy environment for our local marine life."

Gill Bell from the Marine Conservation Society, said: "MCS is delighted The Co-operative is promoting local support for beach cleans, and for helping to tackle the global menace of litter at sea. The public can extend their support for threatened marine wildlife by voting for areas they feel need better protection by logging on to the Marine Conservation Society website http://www.yourseasyourvoice.com.&quot">www.yourseasyourvoice.com."

Further highlights of the day included rock pooling (with Tom Moses) and playing beach games (with Paul Casson).

A film crew from London's Leopard Films were in attendance taking footage and interviewing young and old for an environmental programme to be screened on BBC1 later in the year.

The event was an example of local community groups linking with agencies to protect and learn about the coastal environment - as well as having a great day out!