VOLUNTEERS braved icy winds and wet conditions to take part in a community-run beach clean at Bradwell-on-Sea.
The clear-up, organised by the county council's Essex Coastal Wardens scheme, aims to improve the district's coastline.
Emma Webb, the project leader, said: "The day was absolutely fantastic and we had about 30 volunteers turn up.
"Having people come along and take part is absolutely vital to the beach clean, we couldn't do it without them."
After meeting at the Othona Community, the volunteers headed to the shore armed with wheelbarrows, bin-bags and picking-sticks.
"We filled about five wheelbarrows, which is 25 black bags worth. We found the remains of an old boat, a massive fishing net which could have been really dangerous and also a perfectly preserved 1940s milk bottle.
"Litter is a huge problem along our coasts.
"It doesn't just look unpleasant, it can harm and even kill some of our best-loved marine wildlife including seabirds, turtles and whales who mistake marine litter for food and eat it.
"In many cases, this has resulted in starvation, poisoning or entanglement and ultimately a slow, painful death."
Ms Webb, from Maldon, was delighted to be doing something on her doorstep.
She said: "I really wanted to do something in Bradwell and these events allow members of the community to get involved and make a difference in their local area."
With more than 350 miles of coastline, Essex has one of the longest coastlines in England.
In October, the conservation volunteers working on behalf of Essex County Council launched the Essex Coastal Wardens Scheme to engage communities with their beaches through hands-on activities.
"It was beautiful in the morning at Bradwell," said Ms Webb.
"But it got colder during the afternoon and rained, so we all warmed up with a hot drink and biscuits.
"Our next local event is at Heybridge Basin on December 22 so if people are fed up with Christmas TV they can come along and help and I'm sure there'll be mince pies on offer too."
For more information about the scheme visit www.tcv.org.uk/essex
