McFly’s Dougie Poynter visited the South Hams to take part in a beach clean with local schoolchildren.

The musician collected rubbish with kids from All Saints Primary School at Leas Foot Beach in Thurlestone on Monday, September 16.

The 31-year-old star said he is a big fan of Devon, revealing he wrote several songs here while on a camping trip.

The I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here winner also discussed his new book Plastic Sucks!, which he hopes will educate and inspire future generations.

Dougie took part in the event with campaigners from Surfers Against Sewage and Less Plastic UK.

He said he was introduced to the subject by husband-and-wife team Marcus Eriksen and Anna Cummins of 5 Gyres.

“I’ve always loved dinosaurs and natural history and when I was in California I was introduced to Marcus and Anna," he said.

“They are like the real-life Indiana Jones and Lara Croft and while we were talking Marcus showed me this huge ball of plastic.

“He said they had been digging in the desert and came across all these dead camels.

“They found out that they had died after eating all these bright plastic bags because they thought they were plants.

"After they ate it, they couldn’t eat anything else and died of starvation.

“I couldn’t believe the size of the ball of plastic. There were hundreds of bags.

“It was so shocking – it really made me think – when you chuck something away it doesn’t just disappear.

“There is a knock-on effect. It could end up anywhere.”

Dougie said he started researching what he could do to help and began making small changes where he could.

He also became involved in the successful campaign to ban microplastics.

“It’s really inspiring how much children already now about plastic and the environment,” he said.

“I just want to help plant the seed and make them think about how their choices will affect the future of the planet.”

He described his new book as a “non-intimidating, digestible and accessible guide” on how even the smallest changes can help save the planet.

He suggested simple changes for people who want to become more sustainable.

“Start small,” he said. “Spend money investing in the future you want.”

“Bamboo toothbrushes, cartons and cans instead of plastic bottles and reusable bags are all great.

“It’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the stats and data – but just start small.”

Among the finds on the beach were a pair of flip flops and plastic army toy.

Lynsey Sizer, parent ambassador at the school, said that the visit was a great experience for the kids.

She said: "He gave them all a free copy of his book and they all asked him to sign their copies.

"He was really great with all the kids - they were so excited to meet him."

Dougie has been the bass player of the band Mcfly since 2003 and was a member of pop supergroup McBusted.

He also co-wrote children’s book The Dinosaur That Pooped A Planet! with McFly vocalist Tom Fletcher.

In 2011 he won ITV’s I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here.