Surfers and swimmers at a beach in Cornwall embraced biodegradable swimwear as part of the Campaign for Wool.

Visitors to Porthtowan beach saw the opening of the first wool beach lodge as part of Prince Charles’ Campaign for Wool featuring swim shorts, t-shirts, fleeces and sweatshirts all made of wool.

Peter Ackroyd, the chief operating officer at The Campaign for Wool, said: “There is a real misconception that wool is purely associated with cooler seasons and warming benefits, however through this exciting launch, the Wool Beach Lodge will showcase the versatility of wool and establish it as a trans-seasonal textile.

“The lodge demonstrates the trans-seasonal multi-purpose quality of wool. Wool is as at home in summer as it is in winter.”

Victoria Charman and Megan White, both 17 from Cornwall, surfed and sunbathed all wearing wool swim shorts, tops and hats and were able to enjoy their time on the beach regardless of the weather.

Victoria said: “It doesn’t matter about the weather. It is still beautiful and lovely to be on the beach, especially if you are wearing the right clothes.”

The natural fibre not only keeps you warm in winter and cool in summer but also naturally biodegrades in the earth and sea when you have finished with it unlike man-made fibres.