Ecover helps the South West Go Blue!

Events are taking place across Devon to mark Britain’s first ever Ecover Go Blue! weekend.

Almost 50 events have been organised across the country to celebrate our seas, shores and marine wildlife. Among them are a sponsored swim at in Brixham, a stand-up paddle board event in Sidmouth, a sea-themed story-reading at a primary school in Exmouth, and a schools science and water sports day in Plymouth.

Go Blue! is part of the 2014 Ecover Blue Mile programme and has captured the imagination of people right across the country. So far, 46 events have been organised for Go Blue! which reaches a crescendo on 6-8 June, when hundreds of people will be doing something watery by taking part in a paddle, swim, waterside walk, boat trip or school event. It’s hoped that with a final push, the total will hit the 50-mark.

Water sports clubs, universities, schools, lidos, youth organisations and individuals have all jumped on board to make this a truly national event.

On Friday, Marine Academy Plymouth is holding a day of marine biology and water sports at the Mountbatten Centre. At the weekend, Shoalstone Outdoor Seawater Pool in Brixham is staging a sponsored swim where all the lengths completed over the weekend will be totted up. On Saturday, Jurassic Paddle Sports in Sidmouth are holding a sponsored stand-up paddle board day.

Behind the fun, there is a serious message: the need for people to become more connected with the marine environment. Go Blue! is also raising money for the Ecover Blue Mile’s charity partner, the Marine Conservation Society.

Organiser Conrad Humphreys of Plymouth-based Sport Environment, said: “We’re absolutely amazed and delighted at how the first ever Ecover Go Blue! event has really taken off across Britain. People have organised events in Wales, Scotland, Essex, Yorkshire, Birmingham, Oxford and Merseyside – and lots of places in between.

“It’s especially pleasing to see so many schools taking part.

“I really think we might have started something here!”

Find out about all of the events by visiting http://www.thebluemile.com/goblue where people can also get in touch to register their own event.