NORTHERN Ireland's largest ever coastal clean-up is planned for later this month - if enough volunteers turn up.
Live Here Love Here has sent out a call to people to "play their part" in cleaning up their nearest beach on Saturday and Sunday September 18-19.
The `community and civic pride initiative' is holding the event to mark the start of its annual Healthy Oceans, Healthy Minds campaign, in partnership with Belfast Harbour.
Helen Tomb, of Live Here Love Here said while people "feel better when they're near the sea... the benefit is hugely reduced by the presence of litter, which upsets people and makes them really angry".
"Taking direct action enables people to channel those feelings positively. Volunteering, even for a day, enables people to do their bit, meet new friends and gives everyone a real lift."
The cleanup is the first date in a month of activities and events coming after the annual increase in coastal litter created during summer months.
It is part of a coordinated global volunteer effort to remove and record litter from local lakes, waterways, beaches and the sea by the Ocean Conservancy marine charity.
Jenni Barkley of Belfast Harbour said initiative is an important part of its ambition to be a green port.
"It is crucial that we continue to educate people on alternative choices and habits that they can adopt to help protect our?seas and waterways?from further damage and pollution," she said.
More information can be found at liveherelovehere.org
