Water sport enthusiasts took to the water, but not for the reason you would think.

West Bay Canoes and Heritage Coast Canoe Club joined forces to attack the rubbish situation on the River Brit.

The two groups joined together for the annual clean, where they worked their way along the river, collecting all kinds of rubbish from both the river bed and river bank.

John Purse of West Bay Canoes, has carried out river cleans in the past, in the River Stour, the River Frome and the River Brit, and this was his fourth one on the River Brit.

John said: "This year we (West Bay Canoes) joined forces with the Heritage Coast Canoe Club and we paddled up the river from Palmers Brewery to West Bay.

"Our kayaks dipped their noses into the reeds to pick up the rubbish.

"It was a good effort, there must have been about 20 of us on the water taking part.

"Overall we must have collected a skips worth of rubbish."

Volunteers first took part in the river clean in 2015, and the sessions have gone from strength to strength since.

Telling the Bridport News why they take part, John said: "I tend to pick up rubbish throughout the year.

"The rubbish that we picked up has accumulated from October to May.

"It's really good to do it, and worth protecting the environment.

"Otters have recently been spotted at West Bay, and we saw a few kingfishers whilst out on the water.

"We hope that through our cleaning, animals such as the water vole return."

Joy Edwards, chairperson of the Heritage Coast Canoe Club, added: "Being a charity, we thought it good to something to help the community, especially as West Bay is a tourist area."

Common items that the clean-up crew found included trolleys, baskets, bottles and polystyrene.

The group noticed that there seemed a lot less rubbish in the river, and that the introduction of 5p for a plastic bag has played a part.

John said: "There is a lot less rubbish in the river from four years ago.

"There is also a lot less plastic bags."

If you want to sign up to a future river clean, go to westbaycanoes.co.uk for more information or email Mr Purse on info@westbaycanoes.co.uk

Heritage Coast Canoe Club is participating in Go Canoeing Week, and inviting people to join them from 11am until 4pm on Saturday, May 26.

For more information, email heritagecoast.cc@gmail.com or visit westbaykayak.co.uk