Giant cod sculpture begins anti-pollution tour

A six-foot cod sculpture made from litter has appeared on a beach as part of an anti-pollution campaign.

The sculpture was commissioned by North Tyneside Council and installed near the Dome in Whitley Bay.

It is part of a push to reduce single-use plastics through initiatives, including the installation of drinking fountains along the coast, to reduce bottle waste.

Encased in a perspex cube and set on a bed of rubbish, the fish will visit six different locations along the North Tyneside coastline.

The sculpture was made by local artists Beth Huttly and Amy Welch using litter collected along the coast, including plastic bottles, straws, empty food cartons and plastic bags.

It replaces a previous sculpture, knows as "Martin the Seal", who is going "into retirement", the council said.

The new fish is yet to be named and the authority plans to launch a community competition to name it.

Councillor Hannah Johnson said: "Small actions, like reusing bottles, can significantly reduce single-use plastics and their harmful effects on our environment.

"Since declaring a climate emergency in 2019, we've been committed to reducing our carbon footprint.

"This campaign is just one of many projects aimed at creating a more sustainable North Tyneside."

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