DETERMINED members of the Women's Institute have put flower arranging and coffee mornings on hold to embark on a new challenge - improving a local canal.

Volunteers from groups in Bilsborrow, Barton, Broughton and Woodplumpton have joined forces to push for improvements along the Lancaster Canal in Woodplumpton, near Preston.

A survey carried out by the groups revealed the need for better access and signs from nearby villages to the canal, which boasts some picturesque scenery around it. Seating areas are also a priority, according to the women, who were charged with finding a project to work on as part of the Women's Institute's 21 projects for the 21st century.

They have joined forces with Lancashire County Council's countryside service, British Waterways, English Partnerships, Preston Borough Council and North West Water.

English Partnership has stumped up part of the cash to fund the scheme, while the remainder has come from the Green Partnership awards, funded by Lancashire County Council and North West Water.

Work will be carried out by the Preston branch of the British Trust for Conservation volunteers.

County councillor George Slynn, chairman of the county council's planning, industrial development and tourism committee, visited the sites of the main improvements in Woodplumpton on Monday.

She said: "The project is a really good example of various bodies working with each other to improve the environment and produce something which will benefit everyone.

Our countryside officers have been working with the Women's Institute and British Waterways, who manage the canal, to come up with a workable scheme which will enhance the area and improve access to public footpaths.

"I think it will be a great asset to the area, opening up the countryside to local people and visitors alike."

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