VOLUNTEERS who help to keep a beach in Jaywick tidy have been given special training.

The Jaywick Beach Clean Group, which has been running for two years, spent a day with Essex Coastal Wardens and were given free expert advice.

They were given guidance on emergency first aid, project organisation, risk assessment and health and safety.

The group, which carries out four beach cleans every year and is supported by Tendring Council community development officer Teresa Watson, now has the option to take up further training sessions on coastal birds, flora and fauna and intertidal zone wildlife.

Ms Watson said: “The training was extremely helpful and a worthwhile exercise which has given the volunteers extra knowledge that they can put to good use”.

She hopes that other volunteers will come forward to take advantage of the training and take part in events to help improve their local environment.

Anyone interested in joining the scheme should call Mrs Webb on 01206 764470.