VOLUNTEERS removed more than two tonnes of waste from the mouth of the River Usk during the third annual Newport Wetlands spring clean.

Keep Wales Tidy was joined by volunteers from Natural Resources Wales, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), Newport City Council and McDonald’s to help clean-up efforts.

The volunteers were granted special access on a protected stretch of Newport's foreshore, managed by Natural Resources Wales, to clear waste and debris before the breeding season gets into full swing.

The two-day effort saw 40 volunteers help to remove five truck loads of plastic debris, 15 gas bottles and five fridges from the site.

Steve Chamberlain, project officer for Keep Wales Tidy said: “What an amazing turnout and effort for the third year in a row.

"This is a perfect example of what local communities can achieve when they work together. The Newport Wetlands is certainly one of the best sites for wildlife and it’s a privilege to be a part of its restoration.”

Keep Wales Tidy and partners will host their next clean-up of the coast at Maesglas Coast Path on Wednesday, May 13 as part of ‘Clean Coast Week’, sponsored by McDonald’s.

For more information or to get involved, email steve.chamberlain@keepwalestidy.org or visit keepwalestidy.org/cleancoast.