A STAGGERING half a tonne of rubbish was collected from Durdle Door beach over just two weekends.

Among the items removed were 50 burnt out BBQs, the remains of picnics, food, bottles, plastic bags, nappies and polystyrene containers.

James Weld, of the Lulworth Estate, said: “The vast majority of visitors to our beaches enjoy their visit and then take their litter home but a small minority of people are ruining it for everyone else.

“Littering is not only anti-social, unsightly and unhygienic, it causes needless suffering to wildlife.

“Our rangers and litter-pickers are working beyond the call of duty to keep on top of it.

"We are appealing to all visitors to play their part in keeping this iconic piece of Britain tidy.”

Visit dorsetfor you.com/litter-free-coast for more about the Litter Free Coast and Sea campaign.