USERS of the River Darwen are being asked to become its guardians and ensure the waterway stays rubbish free.

Three years ago pollution in the river prompted a £50,000 clean-up campaign which has just been completed.

It received government praise last week when ministers said the project was a 'shining example' to others at the 2002 Urban Summit.

Now environmental action group Groundwork has devised another campaign -- to recruit volunteer 'river rangers' to maintain its cleanliness.

Each will be allocated a patch of the river to cover and they will be expected to report litter, damage or pollution. It is hoped the swift identification of problems will help Groundwork act quickly.

Regular river users like ramblers, anglers, canoeists or even people walking their dogs would be ideal rangers.

Adrian Blundell, communications manager of Groundwork, based at Bolton Road, Blackburn, said: "Having got the River Darwen in better shape and got communities, businesses and schools involved in sorting problems out, the key issue is making sure it stays in that state.

"If rangers see a problem they can phone up the right person and make it easier to look after the place. Groundwork's aim is helping communities look after local assets and the River Darwen is a wonderful asset, so it is in their interests to help protect it."

The Urban Summit in Birmingham last week discussed the progress made since the publication of the government's urban white paper in 2000.

Its aims to establish a commitment to streets, parks and open spaces that are clean, safe and attractive. The clean-up of the River Darwen was praised as ministers wanted to celebrate progress made by towns and cities.

A spokesman said: "It typifies the way forward. What has been done in Darwen is a shining example for what has to be done elsewhere."

For details about becoming a ranger, call Fiona Treaton on 01254 265163.