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Today (Tuesday 27 April) ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Radio 1 announces a brand-new initiative that will be part of the 10th Radio 1's Big Weekend, this year in Bangor, North Wales. For the first time ever, the station will be giving students in the area the opportunity to earn themselves a ticket to attend Radio 1's Big Weekend by getting their hands dirty and cleaning a beach in North Wales.

Working with Bangor University, The Marine Conservation Society and Gwynedd Council, the aim is for 50 Radio 1 listeners from Bangor University to clean one beach in North Wales over three hours in return for a ticket to Radio 1's Big Weekend, which takes place over 22 and 23 May at Faenol Estate, Bangor.

Students at the university will be asked to register their interest in the project by Friday 5 May, and the Big Beach Clean takes place on Monday 17 May. ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Radio 1 DJs will drop in, help out and see how the teams are getting on with the clean during the day.

Ben Cooper, Deputy Controller, ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Radio 1, says: ''We're pleased to add volunteering to the programme of events around Radio 1's Big Weekend. For Radio 1 and the listeners to be able to give something back to the area that is hosting the Big Weekend is fantastic.''

Becky Ryan, Work Experience Project Manager, Bangor University, says: "The Centre for Careers & Opportunities at Bangor University are delighted to be involved with this event. We heavily encourage volunteering to our students as a way for them to gain valuable employability skills so to be involved with such a high profile event that is not only promoting volunteering, but also encouraging students to think about the environment is just brilliant.''

Dr Sue Kinsey, Pollution Programme Manager, Marine Conservation Society, says: "We’re absolutely delighted that Radio 1 and it’s listeners are getting involved in a beach clean. It’s vitally important that younger people are made aware of the rising tide of litter on our beaches and see how they can make a difference by tackling the problem first hand.

"There are over 2,000 pieces of litter for every kilometer you walk on the average UK beach and MCS want to see this halved by 2015. We’re really looking forward to getting involved in the Radio 1's Big Beach Sweep which will help us move towards this goal."

Gwynedd Council Leader, Councillor Dyfed Edwards said: "Gwynedd has a spectacular and beautiful coastline and we are very proud that year in year out thousands of visitors flock to our beaches as tourism is vital to our economy. Voluntary work is crucial for our communities and we are delighted to support this initiative which will promote and recognise the work of volunteers. By working together we can all play our part in protecting the natural environment for future generations."

³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Radio 1's Big Weekend

The 10th ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Radio 1's Big Weekend takes place on 22 and 23 May at Faenol Estate, Bangor, Gwynedd. This year the event will feature acts including Florence & The Machine, Alicia Keys, Cheryl Cole, Dizzee Rascal and JLS.

For the full line-up, and for more details about the event, visit: bbc.co.uk/radio1/bigweekend.

³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Radio 1's Social Action

Radio 1 and 1Xtra's social action campaigns are an integral part of the stations' ethos and service to young people – offering support networks/information and a platform for young people to give their opinions. The stations have an exceptional reputation for raising awareness of different topics and for the information they provide. Recent campaigns have included anti-bullying and body image.

Students at Bangor University can contact Becky Ryan on 01248 388423, or b.ryan@bangor.ac.uk.

TM