IT’S not all sand, sea and surf for one Huddersfield teenager – but almost.

Sam Lee is the envy of his mates as he works on a project Down Under.

After finishing his last year at Shelley College, Sam jetted off to Australia and New Zealand to take part in some volunteer work.

And the 19-year-old is now helping to clean up the golden sands of Nobby’s Beach in Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia.

Sam was able to head across the world thanks to a £1,000 grant from Denby Dale District Lions.

Alongside a team of fellow volunteers, he is helping to rejuvenate the plant life along Macquarie Pier at Nobby’s Beach.

Newcastle Port Corporation provided AUS $24,000 in sponsorship over a two year period to Conservation Volunteers Australia (CVA), which is the group who arranged Sam’s trip to Australia.

The Corporation chief executive officer Gary Webb said: “Volunteers completed a large amount of work along the pier in early 2010 and the second phase of the two year project started this week.

“The sponsorship is enabling CVA to conduct intensive works periods in January, February, March and April.”

Sam is helping to remove a noxious weed called bitou bush and is planting indigenous plant species such as spinifex and pigface.

He’s also helping repair fencing and beach paths in what is regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches in the region..

Gary said: “In addition to weeding and planting, the volunteers including Sam have been involved in protecting the historic rail line which runs through the sand dunes at Nobby’s.”

Regional Manager for CVA, Leonie Winner, said the organisation was working in consultation with Newcastle City Council and Nobby’s Dunecare Group.

The Port of Newcastle is one of the largest coal export ports in the world with its major markets being in Asia.

Newcastle is situated 101 miles Northeast of Sydney at the mouth of the Hunter River, within the Hunter Region.

Famous for its coal, Newcastle is presently the largest coal exporting harbour in the world.

Nobby’s Beach is located in between Mermaid Beach and Miami and all three are visited by thousands of tourists.

The sands are backed by cliffs boasting spectacular views over the ocean.