Surf's up, as Emin and team paint against pollution

Fourteen boards designed by top British artists are expected to raise thousands at auction for environmental campaign

(Surfers against Sewage)

With their vintage VW camper vans and fashionable beachwear, surfer dudes are as noted for their sense of style as their wave-riding exploits.

Now a limited edition line of boards created by the country's top artists is about to provide the last word in seaside one-upmanship. Artists such as Tracey Emin, Gavin Turk and Jonathan Yeo have each designed one of 14 boards for Surfers Against Sewage. Sir Paul McCartney has also created a board.

The surfboards are to be auctioned by Bonhams in London, in October, and are expected to raise thousands of pounds for the group, which campaigns against coastal pollution and litter.

A Bonhams spokesman said the sale was unique: "We've never sold anything like this before so it would be a complete punt to value them. [But] considering who the artists are we would expect a good price."

Hugo Tagholm of Surfers Against Sewage in Cornwall said the boards are made from "the latest in eco-surfboard technology", and could be used in the sea. He added: "The money raised will go into our campaigns on climate change, pollution and litter. In particular we're concerned about the tiny plastic pellets used to make... plastic bags. They wash up in their millions, are mistaken by animals for food ... and do not biodegrade."