People in the Devizes area are being asked to help look after the historic Kennet & Avon Canal by joining a monthly volunteering team that helps maintain and improve the waterway.

The call comes from the Canal & River Trust – the charity that cares for 2,000 miles of waterways in England & Wales – which is recruiting people to its Devizes Towpath Taskforce team.

It meets every third Thursday of the month at Caen Hill Lock Flight and works from 10am to 3pm. Volunteers will be meeting at the Caen Hill pay-and-display car park, postcode SN10 1RF. Tools and equipment will be provided and volunteers should wear protective footwear if they have it.

Recent projects completed by the team include planting wildflowers, clearing overgrowth on the Diamond Jubilee Woodland, painting locks and cutting back overhanging vegetation from the towpath.

Robert Labus, volunteer co-ordinator for the Canal & River Trust, said: “The Kennet & Avon Canal is one of the most popular waterways anywhere in the country. We need help to keep it in the condition it deserves, as well as improving it further in the future.

“Volunteering with the Towpath Taskforce is a great way to meet others and learn about the wildlife, history and day-to-day happenings along the canal.”

More details are available from www.canalrivertrust .org.uk/towpathtaskforce or by emailing Rob Labus on rob.labus@canalrivertrust. org.uk