Two councils are working together on a summer campaign to reduce the amount of litter left behind on beaches.

Dover and Folkestone and Hythe district authorities are highlighting the importance of water safety with the school summer holidays underway.

This week (to July 30) teams from both councils have been working alongside their waste management contractor, Veolia, to raise awareness.

The messages they have emphasised include encouraging beachgoers to put their litter in the bin, or take it home if bins are full.

Just last month litter picker Stephen West had highlighted a horrendous mess caused by overflowing litter bins at the Upper and Lower Leas of Folkestone seafront.

The teams are also raising awareness of the negative impact discarded litter has on visitors, pets, wildlife and the environment.

They are also encouraging people to be mindful of water and sun safety while playing or swimming in the sea.

The campaign, called Love Your Beach, has activities including with a fun theme of “carefree days at the seaside” at both Deal beach and Sunny Sands beach in Folkestone.

Beachgoers can have their photographs taken in two traditional seaside face-in-the-hole boards with images of a mermaid, a crab and King Neptune.

Community development and environmental crime officers have been on beaches leading community litter picks.

Cllr Edward Biggs, cabinet member for environment at Dover District Council, said: “We love to see both our residents and visitors safely enjoying themselves at the district’s beaches.

“We also want to ensure that no litter is left behind to protect sea life and keep our district’s beaches looking pristine.”

Cllr Stephen Scoffham, Folkestone and Hythe council cabinet member for climate, environment and biodiversity, said: “We hope we will drive home that rubbish left behind after a day on the beach is not only unsightly but is damaging for the environment, wildlife and our coastal waters.”

David Fitzgerald, general manager municipal south east at Veolia UK, said: “During the summer months, our team provides additional resources so please support us to keep the seafront free from litter.”