A LITTER picker has been helping to maintain a beach for six years is "shocked" to see how much rubbish is left by people.

Rona Hunnisett, who lives in Peacehaven, has been cleaning the beach after noticing how much litter was dropped on it after moving there six years ago.

She said: "It was a real shock to see just how much litter is dropped on the beach.

"I just had to do something about it, so my husband and I started by going for walks and picking up litter and taking it home to our bins.

Wanting to do more, Rona joined the Deans Beach and Environment Volunteers Group, a group that protects and educates about the great outdoors from beaches to woodlands.

  • READ MORE: RSPCA Brighton helps reunite dog with owner 160 miles away

Rona said: "I met a group of wonderful and like-minded people, many of whom have become great friends.

"We go out on a monthly beach clean in all weathers and cover the three beaches in the Deans areas on a rotational basis."

With Brighton and Hove Council on board and giving the group of beach cleaners access to the large hopper bins on the seafront, Rona and her fellow volunteers, aged between five and 85, have been working tirelessly to clean up the local areas.

Rona then became an ambassador for Keep Britain Tidy in 2019 and, with her infectious enthusiasm, spreads the fight against litter message with a deep-rooted passion.

She will often call people out if she sees them drop litter outside her house, Rona says that she will often shout "pick it up" at people, especially if there is a bin nearby.

Recently Rona has also become a Marine Conservation Society Sea champion. In her new role, she will give talks at schools about the dangers of plastic in the environment.

As a reward for her work, Rona has been made the face of Cotswold Outdoor's new heroes campaign, which focuses on people's dedication to the planet.

She will be on advertising billboards around the town as the local environmental star, and Rona has said that she is "honoured and thrilled" with the recognition it will bring to the Deans group.

Jose Finch, Managing Director at Outdoor and Cycle Concepts Ltd., the parent company of Cotswold Outdoor, said: "The outdoors really is what we make it, and it is stars like Rona, who go above and beyond to help protect and care for ecosystems and are hugely passionate about the world we live in, that make the real difference.

"By showcasing exemplary local heroes, we want to celebrate their achievements, show them how much their efforts are appreciated and allow them to reflect and revel in their outstanding contribution and commitment to the environment."

Have you got a story for us? Email news@theargus.co.uk or contact us here.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up with all the latest news.

Sign up to our newsletter to get updates sent straight to your inbox.

You can also call us on 01273 021 400.