AYRSHIRE'S biggest annual beach clean is set to take place on Saturday, April 29.

It will be taking place on around 20 beaches along the length of the South Ayrshire coast.

Most of these are managed and led by Ayr Rotary Club or the Ayrshire Coastal Path team, but other beaches are organised by the Rotary Clubs of Prestwick and Alloway, and a diverse range of other community groups, farmers and landowners all give their time generously.

A spokesperson for the clean-up effort said: "If you can manage, please come along and help to ensure that our beaches at their sparkling best for the forthcoming holiday season.

"Well over 300 volunteers turn out to the beach clean every year.

"There has been great support from Scouts, Boys Brigade, youth clubs, schools, college students, OIR [Opportunities In Retirement], walking groups, friends and neighbours.

"Several environmentally-conscious farmers and landowners now help with tractors and trailers at this huge annual event. Their contribution is much valued because they convey the filled bags from the beaches to the collection points.

"South Ayrshire Council do a sterling job lifting them promptly in addition to providing all the necessary bags and ancillary equipment.

"Please come along and join them equipped with gardening gloves (or Marigolds!), warm clothing and stout footwear.

"South Ayrshire Council can supply a limited number of litter tongs and gloves – and an unlimited supply of bin bags.

"The council will also uplift all the litter we collect."

The South Ayrshire beach cleans on April 29 are at the following locations and times.

Ayr South Harbour

Extent: Harbour to Blackburn. Assemble 9.30am at Blackburn car park (Ayr India end). Leader: Kenneth Dickie (Ayr Rotary), 07864 097237. With SAC Ranger Service.

Seafield

Extent: Blackburn to Doonfoot bridge. Assemble: 9.30am at Blackburn car park (Ayr India end.) Leader: Charlie Steele (Ayr Rotary & ACP), 07880 554614. With SAC Ranger Service.

Bracken Bay

Fully subscribed. Leader: James Edwards (18th Ayrshire Scout Group).

Fisherton Bay

Fully subscribed.

Dunure

Extent: to be decided on day. Assemble: 9.30am at Dunure Harbour (do not cause obstruction). Leader: Helen O’ Conner (Dunure Community Volunteers), 07710 533306.

Croy

Extent: Caravan park north to Drumshang. Assemble: 9.30am at Croyburnfoot NTS beach car park (do not park on verges near caravan park entrance). Leader: Gus Iannotti (Ayr Rotary & ACP), 07769 635572.

Culzean Bay (Maybole Shore)

Extent: Caravan park south to Culzean Castle. Assemble: 9.30am at Croyburnfoot NTS beach car park (do not park on verges near caravan park entrance). Leader: David Hope (Ayr Rotary), 07889 161000.

Turnberry Bay North

Extent: Milton Burn north to lighthouse. Assemble: 9.30am at Turnberry Car Park on A719 near the junction with A77. Leader: Paul Williams (Ayr Rotary & ACP), 07946 026967

Turnberry Bay South

Extent: Milton Burn south to Balkenna. Assemble: 9.30am at Turnberry Car Park on A719 near the junction with A77. Leader: Howard Stevenson (Ayr Rotary & ACP), 07721 458320.

Dowhill Shore

Extent: Balkenna south to Dunnymuck. Assemble: 9.30am at Turnberry Car Park on A719 near the junction with A77. Cars will then move down to Dowhill Farm to start northwards from Dunnymuck. Leader: Bob Gibson (ACP), 07582 151901.

Dipple (Dunnymuck)

Extent: Dunnymuck south to the Curragh. Assemble: 09.30 at beach car park beyond cottages just south of IFF factory to work south to the Curragh. Leader: Jimmy Begg (Ayr Rotary & ACP), 07796 570645.

Prestwick South/Newton Shore

Contact: Lindsay Smith on lsmith962@hotmail.co.uk

Doonfoot/Greenan/Craig Tara

Contact: Hilary Christy on pandhchristy@gmail.com