Families turned out in their droves for a community beach clean on Portland.

The event was put together by those behind the Pink Pippos of Portland theatre production, recently staged as a part of the isle's b-side festival.

It was organised with the help of Weymouth and Portland Marine Litter Project.

Volunteers collected piles of plastic, nets and fishing wires from Chesil Beach.

The Pink Pippos production was based on a book about magical, beach cleaning creatures the Pippos, who live beneath Chesil's waves and grade the pebbles according to their size.

Sophie Fretwell, whose parents wrote and illustrated the book more than 20 years ago, was ecstatic to be able to bring the Pippos to a new audience by creating the show.

She said: "The Pippos have always been a family favourite so I'm so happy to be able to bring this show to new audiences and plan a beach clean too.

"I live on Portland and the stunning environment I live in is very dear to me, I think it's vital we help clean up our beaches and protect our local wildlife - so it was great to see so many volunteers joining in."

'The Pippos' are planning another beach clean on Sunday, October 2, meeting at Abbotsbury Beach Car Park (past the sub-tropical gardens), at 2pm.

Equipment will be provided, including kid-sized litter pickers and pippo stickers for youngsters.

Booking for this free event can be done online at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/390570977307

Search for "Weymouth and Marine Litter project" for more details of their work and how you can get involved.

This project is supported by Dorset Council, b-side and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.