CANAL champions are being called on to look after a stretch of Worcester’s waterways in a new campaign.

A search has been launched to find people willing to take care of a mile-long stretch of the Worcester-Birmingham canal as it cuts through the city.

The Canal and River Trust, which took over the care of 2,000 miles of historic waterways in July last year, is hoping the extra help will keep the canals spruced up and give residents a waterway of which they can be proud.

The first group from the city to take part in the adoption process is in the Arboretum.

Worcestershire County Councillor Matthew Jenkins, from the Arboretum Community Group, said a survey was taking place on Monday with the trust, the final stage before they take on the stretch.

The group will then be given a certificate officially taking over the care of the canal between Lock House and the next lock north, in Bilford.

“We have been holding events to get volunteers and we have about 50 people who have shown an interest,” he said.

“What is needed is regular work from people who live nearby. We have already held litter picks and we have ideas to perhaps install some benches and some creative public art along the way.”

The Canal and River Trust retains overall responsibility for the canal and will always be on hand to offer further advice.

Chairman of the trust’s South Wales and Severn partnership, Jack Hegarty, said: “Anniversaries are a good time to celebrate and thank the hard work of volunteers and partners.

“We are calling for more community groups to come forward and adopt a section of their local canal.”

He said 500 miles of canals had been lost in the last century and their long-term survival would depend on more people following the example of the Arboretum group.

Canal enthusiast Harriett Baldwin, Conservative MP for West Worcestershire, has also backed the campaign, having enjoyed many holidays on canals over the years.

“Adopting a stretch of canal is a wonderful idea,” she said.