THESE are the two Barry women who took the internet by storm with their litter pick of Barry Island beach last week.

Hannah Andrews, 21, and Sian Brooks, 22, launched the clean-up after visitors left it in a "disgusting state" on Tuesday July 19.

On what was the hottest day of the year so far, staff of O'Shea's Fish and Chip Shop caught images of "dreadful levels of rubbish".

But after the friends took it upon themselves to do something about it, social media and others were full of praise for their efforts, including Vale council leader Neil Moore.

Miss Andrews said: "Sian and I decided to do something because of the dreadful scenes of rubbish on the beach," said Miss Andrews.

"We bought black bags from a corner shop to clean up, because we feared for animals and the environment.

"In no time at all, many children and adults were next to us with black bags picking up the mess."

Miss Andrews, who is a vegan and an advocate for environmental causes, said she hopes her recent effort will raise awareness of litter issues at the beach.

"Sian and I are not special," she added. "Anyone could do what we did. We just hope litterers, who have seen the state of the beach last week, will now think twice before dropping rubbish."

Councillor Richard Bertin suggested that the two girls' recent act be formally recognised.

He said: "We must commend these two young ladies for taking it upon themselves to pick the litter on the shoreline up. Both the Vale mayor and the Barry town mayor should now invite them in to receive a good citizens' award."

Danny Bennington, a resident of Barry Island, said his family also aided the clean-up.

"My wife, daughter and I noticed the disgusting amount of rubbish on the beach," he said.

"We spent a whole hour tidying up.

"The situation truly started to worsen when the tide was coming in.

"People really need to become more responsible with their actions. I hope the scenes that we saw will never be repeated."