The PNGOC participated in a beach clean-up event ©PNGOC

Papua New Guinea athletes have taken part in a rubbish clean-up operation along the beach in Lealea village.

The community service activity also featured staff from the Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee (PNGOC) and oil and gas company Exxon Mobil.

Held as part of the PNGOC's "Love Your Coast" programme, the team arrived a 9am local time to take part in the event in Central Province.

The PNGOC programme aims to teach communities about the environmental risk of dumping rubbish by the beach.

It is hoped the event will also help to educate the local community ©PNGOC
It is hoped the event will also help to educate the local community ©PNGOC

Their efforts are aimed at halting rubbish eventually ending up in the sea, where it is eaten by fish and other marine creatures.

Exxon Mobil have claimed they pride themselves on setting high standards in their work environment and regularly participate in clean-up activities.

 The company hope this demonstrates their commitment a clean environment, which is also a safe and healthy one.