Callum Ringer, cabinet member for environmental services at North Norfolk District Council, has said nurdles - tiny plastic particles that can harm marine life - have been found in very small amounts so far.

The HM Coastguard has also downgraded its level of alert following the disaster, which occurred off the coast of Hull.

Elsewhere in west Norfolk, officials have removed smaller deposits found between Holme-next-the-Sea and Old Hunstanton and intend to use an all-terrain vehicle to remove larger debris.

More debris has been found in this area than in the east.

The council has said it could take weeks to remove all of the plastic.

A large lump of charred debris washed up on the beach at Brancaster, with mobile phone for scale (Image: Chris........

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