MORE than 1,500 small plastic pellets known as mermaid's tears have been found on a South Devon beach.

Environmental volunteers from the South Hams picked up the debris when they took part in a beach clean at Cockleridge Beach, Bantham.

More than 30 volunteers met to clear plastic from the shoreline.

Organisers said the event, which was part of the Marine Conservation Society (MCS) Beachwatch – a nationwide beach clean and litter survey – had been very successful.

The day was coordinated by Maya Plass, from Learn to Sea, on behalf of the Aune Conservation Association of which she is a committee member, and Nigel Mortimer, South Hams conservation officer.

Mrs Plass said: "By recording types and quantity of plastic and other rubbish, the MCS are able to lobby the Government for a change in policy on issues relating to litter.

"It also helps them monitor how much is being dumped at sea and on beaches around the coast. At Cockleridge we also focused on cleaning the smaller items which go straight into the food chain when small animals eat them, mistaking them for eggs.

"This is a particular problem with mermaid's tears, which are the raw product for plastic before it is moulded into objects."

Mrs Plass said these pellets got released into the environment and toxins clung to them, making them poisonous for wildlife.