VOLUNTEERS from Barclays found themselves looking after a different kind of bank as they took part in a canal clean up event on the Kennet & Avon Canal in Devizes last week.

The event, organised by the Canal & River Trust, saw 17 volunteers from Barclays’ mortgage and business specialist teams painting the 200-year-old locks.

The project was part of the bank’s corporate volunteering initiative, and a fresh coat of paint had been given to four of the locks by the end of the day.

Steve Bicknall, employee engagement coordinator at the Canal & River Trust, said: “We had a fantastic day with the Barclays crew, who’ve done a great job giving the locks a lick of paint before the summer season kicks off.

“It’s always great when businesses give back to the local area, and we really appreciate the help the Barclays team have given us in keeping this wonderful waterway in great shape.”

Organiser Andrew Larcombe, from Barclays Home Solutions, said: “We are delighted to have supported the Canal & River Trust and would like to thank everyone who helped us to make this happen.

“Barclays has a fantastic Community Investment Programme that encourages employees to get involved in the causes we care about. It’s about giving back our skills, time and energy to support our communities so we’re thrilled to have taken part."

The canal has had a boost from many volunteer projects in the last year, with residents having spent over 27,000 hours getting involved in a wide range of activities, from volunteer lock keeping to canal restoration projects.

To find out more about volunteering with the Canal & River Trust go to canalrivertrust.org.uk/volunteering