THE Canal and River Trust are encouraging members of the public to help tackle river pollution by picking up one piece of plastic this Autumn,

Every autumn, the county’s waterways are transformed into spectacular corridors of red and gold, as the turning leaves are reflected in the water.

While they are great spots for a selfie, the Canal and River Trust is encouraging people in Wiltshire to pick up a piece of plastic as they pose for their perfect picture.

As the waterways and wellbeing charity that looks after 200 miles of canal in Wales and the South West, the Trust knows how important water is to the nation’s physical and mental health.

However, 80 per cent of plastics in the oceans comes from inland, and the Trust’s research shows that 500,000 pieces of plastic end up in the sea from inland waterways every year.

The Trust is calling on waterway lovers to take action and make a difference. If every person who visited their local canal picked up a piece of rubbish and took it away with them, the waterways could be plastic-free in a year.

Take a photo with the piece of plastic you have picked up and share it on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram with the hashtag #PlasticsChallenge

Jon Horsfall regional director at the Trust, said: “We want people in to join us in taking action on plastic pollution.

"Autumn is a great time to get involved – come along for a walk and, if you find any litter, pick it up and take it home to recycle.

"Or get creative and find a picturesque backdrop to showcase your action and share the results with us!

"Being by the water makes people healthier and happier so, whatever you choose to do, a trip to Wiltshire’s waterways is the perfect way to enjoy an autumnal afternoon.”