VOLUNTEERS cleared rubbish from the Leeds and Liverpool Canal to make life easier for all canal users.

Members of the Wheelton Boat Club pulled out debris and cleared overgrown weeds from the canal at Riley Green and Feniscowles.

The clean-up, organised with British Waterways, was intended to improve the area for all users of the canal, including boaters, fishermen and walkers. John Fiddies, the boat club's honorary secretary, said rubbish in the canal was not only unsightly but could be hazardous to navigation and that it was an ever-increasing problem.

"Our clean-up is ongoing to protect our environment, but could be prevented with greater public awareness."

The club has entered the Lancashire Evening Telegraph's Grimewatch competition, which rewards green projects. There are categories for schools, community groups, local authorities, businesses and individuals and for long-term projects and schemes which reflect East Lancashire's heritage.

It is run in conjunction with the Tidy Britain Group, Groundwork, British Aerospace and the Environment Agency. For full details of how to enter, ring the Grimewatch line on 01254 678678 ext 244.

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