VOLUNTEERS for this autumn's Exe Estuary clean up will be treated to a cruise as a thank you for their hard work.

VOLUNTEERS for this autumn's Exe Estuary clean up will be treated to a cruise as a thank you for their hard work.

The biannual clean up, being held this Saturday, September 19, is essential for maintaining the health and vitality of the estuary so it continues to be a place where people and wildlife can thrive. Volunteers are needed to help clear the potentially dangerous litter from some of the key recreational and wildlife areas of the Exe.

As with the previous clean ups, they will take place at two locations on the estuary - Exmouth and Dawlish Warren.

In Exmouth volunteers will meet on the Imperial Recreation ground at 1pm with Exe Estuary Officer Jenny Lockett.

Darts Farm is providing a tractor and trailer to help collect and clear litter from more remote areas of Exmouth's local nature reserve.

As a thank you for the hard work of those volunteering, Stuart Line Cruises will provide a free cruise along the Exe, which will depart from Exmouth at 3.30pm.

Exe Estuary Management Partnership chairman Councillor Bernard Hughes said: "The Exe Estuary clean ups are an excellent opportunity for the local community to get together and work to improve the environment and safety of the estuary."

Exe Estuary officer, Jenny Lockett, said "This will be the fifth clean up of its kind and will hopefully be our biggest and best yet.

"It only takes a couple of hours to make a massive difference and it is a great chance to meet new friends, catch up with other volunteers met at previous events and do your bit for the estuary."

All necessary equipment is provided but it is important that volunteers wear sensible clothing and footwear.

Wellingtons are essential for the Exmouth site.

Families are welcome, as are friendly dogs.

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

The events are supported by Darts Farm, Stuart Line, Jurassic Coast Divers and Exmouth Mussels, and are part of an annual National Beach Clean weekend, organised by the Marine Conservation Society.

The weekend involves more than 5,000 volunteers across the UK and last year in excess of 385,659 items of litter were collected from UK beaches.

Anyone who would like to be involved should contact Jenny on (01392) 382236 or email jenny.lockett@devon.gov.uk

* An underwater clean up dive will take place on Saturday September 26, organised by the Jurassic Coast Divers.

To find out more, or about a course teaching awareness of marine environments, contact Jurassic Coast Divers on (01395) 268090 or email doc@jcdiving.co.uk