A PENSIONER'S efforts to clean a Weymouth beach has been held up as a shining example of how people should take a pride in the borough.

Weymouth and Portland Mayor Doug Hollings set out to try and change attitudes when he launched his clean-streets campaign earlier this season.

The first citizen has made it his job for the year to try and get residents and visitors to make a concerted effort to reduce the rubbish they drop on the streets.

While it is clear that not everyone is following the mayor's advice there are some, like 72-year-old Joe Waterman, who have responded to the call.

Joe can regularly be seen picking rubbish from the shore at Castle Cove at Rodwell and in his recent swoop he filled nine bin bags in three weeks.

Castle Cove is a privately-owned beach and very popular with bathers.

Unfortunately many of them are not heeding the mayor's Don't Drop It, Bin It message.

Joe started picking up rubbish from the beach when he started taking his neighbour's dog for a walk.

He said: "I've actually been doing it for a few months.

"I was spurred into action after seeing the amount of rubbish on the beach, it's disgraceful.

"There's all sorts of stuff left down there from beer cans to food wrappers and the leftovers attract rats.

"The trouble is there are no bins and people can't be bothered to take their litter home with them.

"There's an awful temptation to just chuck your litter away if there are no bins in sight."

Joe, who lives at Barley Way behind Brewers Quay, said he hoped people who used the beach would respect the area.

He added: "I can't keep on doing it forever.

"It does upset me when people litter the beach because it spoils it for everyone.

"I hope people will listen to what the mayor is saying and tidy up after them."

Councillor Hollings said: "I applaud Joe's efforts. I think he's doing a wonderful job and is a great example of how people are going out of their way to take a pride in the borough.

"It is very sad that he has been forced to take this action however. If people tidied up after them we wouldn't have to rely on good citizens like Joe."