Litter-picking winners give Northumberland beach a clean sweep

Braving the summer heat, the winners from the Northeast and Yorkshire mounted a clean-up operation on Bamburgh Beach. In particular, they targeted the pieces of plastic waste that can be harmful to wildlife and visitors.

Working with Beach Guardian, an environmental project supported by funding made possible by National Lottery players, the team of winners was given an insight into the types of rubbish regularly dropped or washed up on the shoreline on this stretch of the Northeast coast. They learned about the impact of microplastics and the importance of keeping our beaches clean and safe.

The team included Rob and Elaine Leason from East Riding of Yorks who won £1MMillion on Lotto. Elaine said, “It is an incredible feeling to not only support those closest to us financially – but to be able to give our time to charity and projects which are close to our hearts and impact others too.

“We have learnt so much today. It has been fabulous to be with friends we have made as a result of our win and to give something back to the local area, hopefully for the benefit of holiday makers and local beach-goers.”

Joining Elaine and Rob on Bamburgh Beach were: Alex and Liana Best from Leeds who won £1MMillion on Euromillions; Mark and Cheryl Brudenell, from Cleveland who won £916,915 on Lotto and Gary Henry from County Durham who won £4.4MMillion on Lotto. The team also included: Ian and Kim McCarthy from Washington who won £1MMillion on EuroMillions; Derek and Elaine Thompson from Newcastle who won £2.7M on Lotto; Paul and Sue Watson from Darlington who won £1.1MMillion on Lotto; Andy and Mandy Hornsby from Redcar in North Yorkshire who won £1MMillion on EuroMillions and Mark and Julie Weir from Darlington who won £2.7MMillion on Lotto.

At the end of the clean up the winners came away with several sacks of rubbish including plastic bottles and caps, string, rope, fishing line, wet wipes, plastic toys, cans, paper and cigarette butts.

Beach Guardian has been supported by £249,422 in National Lottery funding. The project works to inspire people to combat climate change, tackle litter and waste, restore nature and biodiversity and improve the environment.

Beach Guardian’s Andrew Whittle said, “It has been fabulous working with the National Lottery winners who have really made a difference here today. Even beaches that look pristine have microplastics which are washed up from the ocean and are very harmful to both the environment and our wildlife.”

Andy Hornsby added, “The beaches are here for everyone and it is just fabulous to get involved in such a worthwhile project which will benefit so many visitors. I won six months ago and it has been brilliant meeting other winners and getting their advice, and at the same time doing something which is really important and worthwhile.”

14th August 2025