A beach clean at Nolton Haven and study on the effects of plastic on the marine environment was the first event held by the newly appointed British Science Association 'twig' in West Wales.

The Darwin Centre, based at Pembrokeshire College, now administer and deliver the on goings of the BSA in Pembrokeshire and this event was seen as great way to get a new group of young people involved in understanding the science behind environmental issues.

Students from level one beauty and level one hairdressing from Pembrokeshire College took part in the litter pick and in class study on the effects of plastic on the marine environment during recent stormy weather.

Much of the plastic waste washed up on beaches is stranded there during rough seas and windy weather; this gives us a glimpse of the magnitude of litter that is in our seas and oceans around the world.

Just a fraction of the litter out there reaches our beaches and the sheer amount that can be found is astonishing - the students collected three bags full in 20 minutes - which will hopefully help draw attention the huge problem we have on the planet with the very resilient material that we use for so many applications - plastic.

Much of the plastic waste in the sea will be floating around causing damage and acting as an eye sore for hundreds or thousands of years.

Marten Lewis, treasurer of the BSA in West Wales, said: "This is the first official event of the newly-formed group here in Pembrokeshire; we will be adding new events for students, communities and families through 2013, checkout the web pages for more information http://www.britishscienceassociation.org">www.britishscienceassociation.org or http://www.darwincentre.com&quot">www.darwincentre.com"