STEP aside Pamela Anderson and David Hasselhoff, Canvey has its very own Baywatch.

A group of volunteers, many of whom have lived on the island for more than 50 years, have formed Canvey Bay Watch in a bid to restore the seafront to its former glory.

They have been working to clear up Thorney Bay for the past six weeks and are hoping to recruit more members as their project continues.

Beach volunteer Barry Campagna, who represents Canvey South on Castle Point Council, said: “Our inspiration was that we all remembered what Thorney Bay was like when we were children and the good times we had there.

“Many of the group used to walk along the seawall or we would see each other in the Bay Cafe.

“We got talking and decided that Thorney Bay was the forgotten beach and needed tidying up.”

Mr Campagna said the area had brought pleasure to families for many years and the new group aims to keep it clean and tidy for visitors.

He added: “The area has so much to offer, Thorney Bay has the Bay Museum, the Bay Cafe also a children's play and picnic area and small free car park.

“The slope up to the beach gives good access to people with mobility scooters.

“Our aim is to make sure the area and beach are kept clean so everyone can enjoy it.

“We have other plans for the area, if we can get permission, we will do them.

“We have only been working together for six weeks and have already cleared the footpath and most of the back seawall of weeds and rubbish.”

The group meets every Tuesday at 10am for about three hours at ThorneyBay beach.