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LOVEmyBEACH, which campaigns across the north west to improve bathing water quality, joined forces with local artist, Sandymental to create the sand art, which measured 25 metres, t Bispham on Friday, urging beach goers to ‘leave only footprints’.

Increased visitor numbers to the Fylde coast in the recent good weather has resulted in higher levels of litter than normal and much of this has been left behind on beaches.

Despite more bins and signage, an army of volunteer beach cleaners and social media campaigns urging visitors to dispose of their litter responsibly, rubbish is still being left behind.

This 25m wide artwork was created in the sand at Bispham beach to raise awareness of the problem of littering. The art was created by local artist Sandymental with backing from LOVEmyBEACH

The piece was created by Ben Higginson, taking 10 hours from design to completion. The drawing was designed at home on paper first and then Ben headed to the beach with a rake and began with four large circles, used as reference points.

It was third time lucky for this design, after weather and tides put the earlier attempts on hold.

Sandymental are brother and sister due, Ben and Jax Higginson, who began the sand drawings as a therapeutic way to help their mental health. Their main aim is to raise awareness of mental health, whilst bringing a smile to people’s faces during lockdown, giving hope to others and inspiring a bit of creativity. Sandymental’s work captured the public’s attention in April with a large tribute to the NHS.

LOVEmyBEACH officer Emily Parr said: “I was so impressed when I saw some of Sandymental’s designs online, that I knew it would be great if LOVEmyBEACH could collaborate on an anti-littering piece. When I spoke to Ben it was great to hear that he cared so much about the beach environment and was happy to create a bespoke piece for LOVEmyBEACH.

The artwork is designed to raise awareness of the problem of littering, telling visitors to 'only leave footprints behind'.

“This piece of art was another way to keep the conversation going around the need to take your litter home and leave only footprints at the beach. It certainly captured people’s attention as pictures of the sand art were shared widely on social media before it had even been finished!”

Ben Higginson added: “It seemed appropriate to do a piece on litter given the vast numbers of people visiting the Fylde coast and to help gently remind people that all it takes is a little effort form each person to help keep our beaches clean.”

Huge sand artwork reminds visitors to keep the Fylde coast's beaches clean