A PAIR of big-hearted sisters gave up their weekend to clean up part of Ardrossan beach.

Sophie, 11, and Summer McGinn, seven, had headed to the beach to play and were horrified at seeing hundreds of discarded beer and juice cans, boxes, plastic and other rubbish.

The girls decided to take action and clear up their beloved beach.

Passers-by were so impressed with their efforts that they joined them and the beach was spick and span in a couple of hours.

The girls, who are pupils at Stanley Primary, have made their family proud with their selfless efforts.

Aunt Marion McGinn said: “They had gone to the beach to play and were shocked at the state of the place so decided by themselves to clean it up.

“It’s not really the type of thing young girls or kids usually would think about so it was a lovely gesture of them to do it.

“Once they had started to pick things up there were other people passing by and they started to chip in too. We are all very proud of them.”

The girls’ efforts have also won praise from North Ayrshire and Arran MP Patrica Gibson who said: “Sophie and Summer McGinn who were so upset about the amount of rubbish left on Ardrossan Beach, behind Asda, that they spent two hours working hard, collecting litter to clear it up.

“Sadly, the girls’ initial plan to play on the beach didn’t happen but well done to them for their hard work.Let’s all remember to take our litter home and keep North Ayrshire and Keep Scotland Beautiful.Well done, Sophie and Summer, a credit to Ardrossan.”