VOLUNTEERS showed up in their droves to help clean Brighton beach during Pride weekend.

But they were shocked by the number of laughing gas cannisters they found strewn across the pebbles.

By 10am yesterday several large bin bags had been filled with rubbish including a large number of sacks filled with the small metal containers.

Laughing gas, or nitrous oxide, is the second most commonly used recreational drug in England and Wales.

Supply of the drug for recreational purposes was made illegal under the Psychoactive Substance Act 2016. Those caught selling it could face up to seven years in prison.

Dr Chris Moulton, vice-president of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, warned of the dangers and said: “The effects of inhaling it can include headaches, nausea, dizziness, unconsciousness, collapse and consequent injury.”