MORE than 400 pairs of hands will be busy over the next three days, helping to clean North Devon's seashores as part of the Biosphere Big Beach Clean.

Supported by the

Journal

, the event kicks off tomorrow and ends on Sunday.

Judging by the response from organisations, schools, individuals and families, it is clear people care about the environment and want their beaches to be free from dangerous and unsightly litter.

Local businesses are backing the event, either by entering a team or donating generous prizes to a big draw which is open to all volunteers.

There are more than 50 prizes to give away, including free tickets to family attractions and complementary meals or vouchers to some of North Devon's best eating places.

Mike Moser, chairman of the North Devon Biosphere Reserve Partnership, is delighted with the response.

He said: "North Devon gained its UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status partly because local people cared so much about their wonderful environment.

"The fantastic response to the Biosphere Beach Clean confirms this.

"Local conservation organisations, schools, businesses and community groups have all put teams together, our local authorities and MPs have voiced their support, businesses have offered generous prizes for the draw, and the

North Devon Journal

have come in strongly behind the event.

"This is wonderful — thank you everyone."

The event gives local residents the chance to do something fun, while at the same time helping to keep North Devon's environment in world class shape.

If you can spare a couple of hours or more this weekend, then pop along to one of the beaches listed in the schedule and help to really make a difference.