An aquarium is hosting a beach clean up on Wednesday as part of a 24-hour global effort to tackle the "tidal wave" of plastic pollution.

Sea Life in Brighton is encouraging people to grab their litter pickers and join in a beach clean it is hosting on the city's seafront.

It is part  of the 24-hour Global Beach Clean, organised jointly by Sea Life Trust and theme park operator Merlin Entertainments, uniting volunteers worldwide to remove plastic waste from beaches, rivers and lakes. 

Last year’s Global Beach Clean saw 3,000kg of litter, equivalent to the weight of ten adult sea lions or two beluga whales, removed from waterways worldwide.

From the shores of New Zealand to the beaches of California, and from the bustling streets of Bangkok to the Brighton coast, 1,643 volunteers took part in 55 events across the globe. This year, the goal is to surpass those numbers and make an even greater impact.

Graham McGrath, managing director of Sea Life Trust, said: “We can’t thank our volunteers enough for their support and hope they realise they’re doing something amazing by being part of a global team to protect our world’s oceans and the diverse life within them.

"Together we can restore our rivers, lakes and seas to good health – and we welcome anyone and everyone who wants to join us in this battle against the tidal wave of pollution.”

Sea Life Brighton is appealing for volunteers to lend a hand.  If you’d like to become part of the 24 Hour Global Beach Clean effort on September 18, head to https://www.visitsealife.com/brighton/explore/events/beach-clean/