Lend a hand as a lock keeper on canals in Shropshire and Mid Wales

The Canal and River Trust has launched a new campaign to recruit more volunteers on the waterways including the Shropshire and Llangollen canals.

It says Dave is the most common name among the Trust followed by John, with Barbara and Karen leading the way among female volunteers.

Volunteers give up their time to carry out tasks, such as helping boats through locks, clearing vegetation, maintaining towpaths and teaching children via the charity’s education programme.

Jason Watts, volunteer development coordinator at Canal & River Trust, said: “The nation’s canal and rivers go through such a diversity of cities, towns and villages and this is reflected in our volunteers. We’ve people from an amazing array of communities and backgrounds, so it was quite interesting to see such an abundance of ‘Dave’s volunteering with us.

“We would really like them to be joined by new names and faces so that we can do even more in 2019 to ensure the county’s canals are havens for people and wildlife.

“In particular we’re looking for people to sign up as volunteer lock keepers who can help bring their local canal to life for everyone who visits.

"The lock keepers often known as the face of the canals and great for anyone who likes spending time outside and talking to people.

In Shropshire, there are vacancies at Frankton Locks, Grindley Brook and Tyrley Locks, near Market Drayton.

Mr Watts added: “We value each and every one of our volunteers and appreciate everything they do to help look after our historic waterways. In return we do all we can to ensure they have opportunities to learn new skills and meet new people.”