The retailer has teamed up with the Marine Conservation Society (MCS) to organise the event which will take place across 50 beaches over three days, from May 11-13.

M&S is encouraging its customers to join in the clean-up effort of common items such as fishing nets, ropes and bottles tops. Customers that register in advance to help out will receive discount vouchers to spend in-store.

The Big Beach Clean-up is part of M&S’ Forever Fish campaign which is funded by the 5p carrier bag charge in the retailer’s food halls. Since its introduction in 2008, the charge has reduced carrier bag use by 80% and raised over £4m for charity.

M&S’ director of Plan A Richard Gillies 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.”

Maxine Perella

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