Canal charity offers public lock-keeping lessons

Britain's canals are used and enjoyed by more people than ever before, said the Canal and Rivers Trust

The Canal and River Trust charity is offering free lock-keeping taster sessions on the Leeds-Liverpool Canal in West Yorkshire as part of a nationwide appeal to attract more volunteers.

The sessions at Dobson Locks, in Apperley Bridge will let members of the public have a go at working canal locks themselves.

The trust will be hosting a series of volunteer welcome events to tell people more about the range of activities they can get involved in.

It said it relied on its volunteers to help preserve and protect the nations' 2,000-mile canal network.

Ranvir Singh said: "This is a fantastic way to do your bit, whilst also having a positive impact on your local area"

Opportunities for volunteers to get involved with lock-keeping will be available at a number of other sites, including Tuel Lane Lock on the Rochdale Canal; Tinsley Locks on the Sheffield and Tinsley Canal; and on the Aire and Calder Navigation.

Other volunteering roles from administrative support to wildlife and heritage conservation are also available.

Chief executive of the charity, Richard Parry, said: "We need the support of the community to help ensure these precious places are being handed on to future generations."

Research on behalf of the Trust earlier this year showed that volunteering by the water had a positive impact on mental wellbeing.

Thirty per cent of those surveyed said this was a key reason they got involved with the charity.

"Working by the water makes you feel happier and reduces anxiety," said journalist and presenter Ranvir Singh, a long-time volunteer for the charity.