A Tynemouth woman has written a children’s book to raise awareness of the consequences of leaving litter on beaches.
Mallory Smith was moved to pen the story after seeing piles of rubbish left on the beach at King Edward’s Bay where she regularly swims.
Her book, Maloula the Mermaid, illustrated by Fran Coles, tells the story of an ageing mermaid who comes ashore to try and help rid the sea and beaches of litter.
It is based on her own experiences after spending the last six years, along with a group of other swimmers, clear rubbish from the beach to support the work done by North Tyneside Council’s cleansing teams.
Mallory also visits local schools to read the book to children in an effort to spread the important message.
She said: “It just makes me feel absolutely depressed, fed up, angry and frustrated – hence my angst coming out and writing the book.
“When I’m reading it to little ones in a school they can see the pictures as well as hear the story so I think that engages them.”
Fellow swimmer and volunteer beach cleaner Roger Mowbray added: “We’ve found bottles, tins, broken glass, plastic, rubbish, clothing, you name it and it’s down there. The tide comes in so if we didn’t pick it up the stuff would just get washed out to sea.
“We appreciate the council do as much as they can but they can’t be everywhere all the time so we’re here, we may as well help.”
North Tyneside is home to three beaches which hold prestigious Blue Flag awards – half the amount given to all beaches in the North East.
Cllr Carl Johnson, North Tyneside Council’s cabinet member for Environment, said: “We’re incredibly fortunate to have amazing, award-winning beaches here in North Tyneside and we want everyone to enjoy them. That’s why we need everyone to do their bit to keep them clean so when you come to visit please take your litter home or use the bins provided.
“Our crews work really hard to keep our beaches as clean as possible but sadly there are some people who think it’s okay to dump their rubbish. Not only is this inconsiderate but it can have devastating consequences for the environment and wildlife.
“As a council we are committed to providing a clean, green, healthy, attractive, safe and sustainable environment and the Elected Mayor has already pledged to work towards eliminating single-use plastics.
“While our beach cleaning teams do as much as they can, they can’t be everywhere at once so it’s always great to see residents like these giving up their time and helping out and we appreciate their efforts.”
