Cramond Beach

FIRST EVER M&S AND MCS BIG BEACH CLEAN-UP COMES TO CRAMOND Edinburgh residents invited to help clean beach and protect sealife Cramond Beach in Edinburgh has been selected as one of the first locations in the UK to hold a Marks & Spencer (M&S) and Marine Conservation Society (MCS) Big Beach Clean-up. Organisers are encouraging people from Edinburgh and beyond to sign-up at www.mcsuk.org foreverfish to become beach cleaners for the day and help protect our seas. The first ever M&S Big Beach Clean-up, organised by MCS, will take place at Cramond Beach on Friday 11th May with the aim of stopping common items such as fishing nets, ropes and bottle tops polluting our beaches and seas. M&S customers that register in advance will receive a money-off at M&S voucher* and some free M&S snacks on the day of the clean. Beach cleaners at Cramond will also be treated to a free barbecue and kids’ games organised by the National Schools Partnership. Youngsters can also get involved with free beach activity packs, rock pool rambling and being on the lookout for unexpected items. Previous MCS beach cleans have found unusual items such as bicycles, rubber ducks and superhero outfits. A further Beach Clean-up will take place at Gosford Bay on Saturday 12th May. It’s hoped that thousands of people will roll-up their sleeves and clean 50 beaches across the UK between Friday 11th and Sunday 13th May. Further details for all beaches, including start times for each Clean-up, can also be found at www.mcsuk.org foreverfish. Richard Gillies, Director of Plan A, M&S’ eco and ethical programme, said: “Our customers care passionately about where their food comes from, especially fish. We only source from the most sustainable sources, but this is something more, this is our chance to get out onto beaches with our customers and take direct action to help protect marine life and our coastline. We hope lots of people from Edinburgh and beyond will get involved and become beach cleaners for the day.” Samantha Fanshawe, MCS Chief Executive, said: "MCS surveys have shown that beach litter levels are unacceptably high. We are delighted that M&S staff and customers recognise the importance of clean seas and beaches and will be joining forces with us in this major event to help turn the tide on litter." The M&S Big Beach Clean-up is part of M&S’ Forever Fish campaign which is funded by the 5p carrier bag charge in M&S food halls. Since its introduction in 2008, the charge has reduced carrier bag use by 80 per cent and raised over £4 million for charity. Customers can find out more www.marksandspencer.com plana and follow the event on twitter (@marksandspencer or search #beachclean) and facebook (www.facebook.com marksandspencer).