WATER bosses are looking for "weather-proof" volunteers to help protect the countryside around their homes.

A call for people to join the special volunteer rangers and support the work of the water company's Countryside Service on the huge Worsthorne estate near Burnley, brought little response.

Spreading to the Yorkshire border, the estate, which includes Worsthorne and Hurstwood reservoirs, is a site of special scientific interest and biological importance.

North West Water says the catchment area serves is home to a host of flora and fauna and a vital part of the rangers' work is to protect it.

The company has renewed its call for volunteers who are happy working outdoors in all conditions. Linda Williams , who has been a volunteer for the past 12 years, said: "I am sure there are many people like me who would enjoy the opportunity to do something similar but have just not known how to go about it." North West Water's conservation project officer Debbie Johnson said: "We have strong community support for our countryside service throughout east and west Lancashire, but there has not been a similar response in the Burnley and Worsthorne area."

"We are looking for ordinary people willing to give a little of their time and energy for the benefit of the countryside, the local community and visitors."

Details on how to become a volunteer ranger are available from Debbie at North West Water, Rivington Water Treatment Works, Bolton Road, Horwich BL6 7RN.

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