THE JOURNAL, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 1999 page 11

LIFE’S A BEACH FOR DAVID

A BROADWAY animal lover has been doing his bit to help protect the environment by taking part in a beach combing expedition.

David Bennett, aged 13, of Lime Tree Avenue, was given special permission by teachers at St. Benedicts School in Alcester to take time off for the Beach Watch project earlier this month towards his pollution project.

He travelled to Porchester Castle in Portsmouth with a neighbour Dennis Berrie, a supply teacher in biology specialising in biology and sciences, where they spent four hours clearing a stretch of beach and documenting everything they found.

Beach Watch is organised globally through the Ross-on-Wye based Marine Conservation Society. Groups comb beaches throughout the world on a set date and the society then collates the data to monitor the impact of pollution on marine life.

We found lots of things like crisp packets, plastic bottles, cans, corks and even three dead seagulls, said David.

Three lots of fishing line, nearly 200 pieces of Polystyrene and pieces of fibreglass were also among the items uncovered on the 500m stretch of beach by the pair, assisted by Mr Berrie's mother Audrey.

"Polystyrene poses a hazard as it takes such a long time to degrade," said Mr Berrie.

• David was dealt a blow on Monday by heartless thieves who stole his two polecat ferrets (pictured above) and their cage. Both ferrets are yellow gold and very tame. Anyone with information can contact Evesham Police on 01905 723888.

Animal magic: Ferrets, rats and snakes are all in a days work for 13-year-old David Bennett and his neighbour Dennis Berrie. W1042/23A