THE ongoing effort to keep one stretch of canal in Worcester clean received a shot in the arm this week.

A group of volunteers from Viking Afloat, the narrowboat holiday company based in Lowesmoor Wharf, Lowesmoor, joined forces with British Waterways in a clear-up effort on Monday.

The team spent the day clearing the Lowesmoor’s canal towpath, litter picking, painting and removing vegetation in a bid to ensure the stretch of waterway is looking its best in time for the start of the holiday season.

Towpath tidy is a national event organised by British Waterways.

There are dozens of locally co-ordinated events taking place until Sunday, all encouraging communities to roll up their sleeves and help preserve the local waterside, whether it is by removing graffiti or picking up old crisp packets.

Robin Evans, British Waterways’ chief executive, said: “Our waterways are a national asset and should be a source of local pride.

“The incredible effort local communities and volunteer groups make gives a real boost to our year-round maintenance programme. We want communities to feel a sense of ownership in their local canals and rivers, and towpath tidy provides a great opportunity for people to get involved and find out more.”