The Canal & River Trust and Marsh Charitable Trust have announced the recipients of the national canal charity’s annual volunteer awards, with victors in Lancashire.

These awards pay tribute to teams and individuals who have made valuable contributions to maintaining the 250-year-old canal network.

Awards are given for Volunteer of the Year, Volunteer Team of the Year, Lead Volunteer of the Year, and Young Volunteer of the Year.

One of the notable recipients from the northwest is Barbara Sharples, who has earned the title of Lead Volunteer.

Ms Sharples has been key in establishing the Hyndburn Towpath Taskforce, which has seen a steady increase in volunteers under her leadership.

Kate Simons, volunteering manager at Canal & River Trust, said: "Our volunteers are at the heart of everything we do, and I’d like to thank everyone in the northwest who’s chosen to give their time volunteering on the canals.

"We simply couldn’t keep the northwest’s waterways navigable and alive without the incredible dedication, enthusiasm, and skills of our volunteers.

Richard Parry, chief exec at Canal & River Trust; Barbara Sharples; David Booker, Marsh Charitable Trust ambassador; and Jon Horsfall, NW regional director at Canal & River Trust (Image: Supplied) "They play a huge part in protecting these vital spaces, whether by getting stuck into practical work, helping boaters through locks, inspiring the next generation of canal supporters, and even providing invaluable assistance during our response to flooding brought about by climate change."

Brian Marsh, chair at the Marsh Charitable Trust, added: "We are pleased to be able to work with the Canal & River Trust once again to deliver these awards, recognising those who give their time to volunteer on our nation’s waterways, enhancing their heritage and supporting the wellbeing of those that use them.

"We would like to congratulate the individuals and volunteer teams who have been recognised through this year’s awards, from all across the UK, and we look forward to continuing to highlight these invaluable contributions in years to come."

The award ceremony was held at the Anderton Boat Lift and Visitor Centre in Northwich, Cheshire.