Exe Estuary Management Partnership has called on residents to help ‘improve the health’ of the River Exe this weekend by joining its 19th clean-up event.

Volunteers have been promised refreshments, a free cruise of the estuary and fish and chips if they dedicate their time picking up litter on Saturday, May 13.

Exe Estuary officer Stephanie Clark said: “It is essential for the wildlife, safety and beauty of the Exe that these clean-up events continue, but they are completely reliant on your help and support. This will be the 19th clean-up event of the Exe Estuary Management Partnership and is another excellent opportunity for the local community to come together and improve the health of our estuary.

“Local volunteers offer their time year after year to clear tonnes of rubbish that accumulates in the estuary - items that can be hazardous to not only wildlife but also the people who enjoy using the site for recreation, such as walking their dogs and kite surfing.

“The support of local businesses, such as Stuart Line Cruises, Krispies and McDonalds, has proved incredibly important at all of the events we have run and demonstrates their commitment to the estuary. We are also grateful to local organisations such as East Devon District Council and the National Trust, whose help with this event will make a huge difference to the amount of litter that we can clear.”

McDonalds is providing refreshments prior to the clean-up, while Krispies will feed volunteers afterwards. Stuart Line Cruises is offering a free trip up and down the estuary for all participants. People will be meeting at the Imperial Recreation Ground slipway at 2pm.