A DARTMOUTH paddleboarder is undertaking on a 260-mile challenge to highlight the problem of plastic dumped in our seas.

Cal Major is stand-up paddleboarding around the south west coast, from Wembury in the South Hams to Croyde, North Devon.

Cal said: ‘In terms of plastic pollution, there has been an 180 per cent increase in the amount of plastic found on beaches in the last 20 years.

‘Specifically in Dartmouth, I often find plastic bottles or plastic food wrappers floating in the river mouth when paddling there, a mixture of being washed in with the tide and finding its way in from the banks, although it is one of the cleanest places I paddle.

‘Generally there is more plastic washing up after big storms, or in big tides. However, summer also carries problems of its own, with increased visitors to beaches and rivers, including Dartmouth, creating more waste and a greater pressure on the waste disposal systems.

‘It’s really important that individuals, whether locals or tourists, take care of their own rubbish as it doesn’t take much for that plastic to end up in the waterways, where it will inevitably persist for years.

‘Better still, thinking ahead and taking a reusable drinking bottle with us when we’re out and about is a great way to reduce the amount of waste we produce, and most cafes and restaurants will be happy to refill your water bottle for free if you ask nicely!

‘These are really simple things that we can do to help safeguard our precious oceans, beaches, rivers and outdoor spaces that we love, and are so proud of, from plastic pollution. I hope that’s reason enough to think ahead and use a reusable drinking bottle.’

The paddle challenge aims to open eyes to the amount of plastic waste that is ending up in our oceans, but moreover delivering a message of positivity – individuals can do simple things to make a difference.

Cal is urging people to go through the summer without buying a plastic water bottle and using a refillable alternative.

Cal said plastic on our beaches has increased 180 per cent in the last 20 years, and is causing serious problems for our oceans’ health. Since 80 per cent of marine litter originates from land-based sources, the less we use on land, the less ends up in our oceans.

Cal, orginally from Warrington but now working as a locum vet in the South Hams, hopes to demonstrate just how easy it is to use less plastic in our lives, and as a result to reduce the amount ending up in our oceans.

In the UK we use 13 billion plastic bottles every year, and they are one of the most common things found on UK beach cleans. Using refillable alternatives will help to safeguard our oceans and planet from the stress imposed upon it from the production and disposal of plastic bottles.

The expedition began on Saturday and is due to finish in Croyde on Saturday, August 20.

As of Wednesday, Cal had got as far as Gorran Haven, near Mevag­issey, south Cornwall

The paddle is engaging communities along the way with beach cleans, run by Surfers Against Sewage regional reps. Paddleboarding clubs and individuals are invited to join in for stretches of the journey.

You can follow Cal’s progress on Facebook: Paddle Against Plastic 2016, Twitter: @PaddleVsPlastic and Instagram: @paddleagainstplastic. There will be an instagram photo competition for the best picture with a reusable bottle, using the hashtag #paddleagainstplastic.

Cal is raising funds for Surfers Against Sewage to help continue its work in protecting our oceans and beaches. To donate, visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/cal-major