A volunteer clean-up crew cleared more than six tonnes of trash from a Sandys beauty spot in one day at the weekend.

The team of 34 Bermuda Hospitals Board volunteers — working in collaboration with the environmental charity Keep Bermuda Beautiful — shifted abandoned sofas, broken-down washing machines and other debris they unearthed in the Caroline Bay area of Morgan’s Point in a four-hour blitz on Saturday.

Angel Smith, the executive director of the KBB, said the haul was the largest she had seen for a single-day event.

She said: “On behalf of Keep Bermuda Beautiful, I extend my heartfelt thanks to Bermuda Hospitals Board for their outstanding clean-up efforts.

“Collecting an incredible 14,177 pounds of litter and bulk waste — just over six British tonnes — is an achievement to be truly proud of.”

The mountain of garbage was placed in three 23-cubic-yard dumpsters provided by Atcheson’s Ltd.

Ms Smith said that hospital staff had carried out a similar clean-up last year when they picked up less than one tonne of trash.

She said: “To see this year’s result reach more than six times that amount is simply remarkable. It shows their continued commitment to a cleaner, greener, more beautiful Bermuda.

“Well done to all the frontline heroes at BHB. Your efforts have made a tremendous positive impact on Bermuda’s environment and our community.”

A BHB spokeswoman described the day as “extremely productive”, adding: “Staff were shocked at the volume of large items we had to dispose of.

“Many thought they’d be picking up bottles, cans and the like, but there were sofas, washers and dryers, sinks, air conditioners, large machinery, golf clubs, lamps, so much furniture — you name it and it was there.

“Participation was voluntary and representatives from a wide cross-section of departments and skill levels were our team, including senior executives, middle managers and general staff. Our sterile processing department had the largest departmental turnout.”

Scott Pearman, the president and chief executive of the BHB, said that he never ceased to be amazed by his staff’s commitment to the community.

He said: “Hauling over six tonnes of trash is no small feat. I was part of the clean-up team so know that first hand.

“Our team spent more than four hours doing this clean-up and would have continued. The enthusiasm was there, but we ran out of trash bags.

“We were pleased to partner with KBB and applaud the work they do to help us keep our island home clean. We also recognise all the other local companies who take part in clean-ups, and we encourage those who don’t to try it.

“On behalf of BHB management and all our staff, we thank all the volunteers who turned out. You make us all proud.”