THE people of Inverkip are fighting to keep their beach beautiful and plastic free.

Local community councillors have run a poster competition for local schools to raise awareness of the impact on litter at the top beauty spot.

They were overwhelmed by the response and put together a panel of judges to pick some winners.

Inverkip and Wemyss Bay community councillor Gary Purdon said: “The schools have been really supportive. It has also helped that the Save the Planet programme and the plastic free campaign has really taken off since we launched this.

“Everyone is talking about plastics and are aware of the damage.”

The community council is working with the Marine Conservation Society to raise awareness of the need to tackle pollution.

They would like to see co-ordinated beach cleans in the community.

Gary added: “I have left black bags down at the beach and people are now filling them up.”

Clyde Muirshiel’s senior ranger Mike Holcome was delighted to hear about the competition.

He said: “Beach cleans are growing in popularity. The message is getting out there.

“We recently had a record number of volunteers taking part, 100 in total.

“It is great to see the Inverkip community taking such great care of their beach as well.”

The other judges were Sir Ludovic Shaw Stewart, Ardgowan Estate,Tara Proud, of the Marine Conservation Society, Sinead Sheridan, of the Clyde Marine Planning Partnership and Heath Gairns, Marina Master, Kip Marina.

The winners of the school campaign will be announced at next month’s community council meeting.