Young footballers in canoes clear litter from canal

Long Eaton United players fished crisp packets, cans and bottles from the water

A team of young footballers helped clear litter from a stretch of canal through a Derbyshire town.

Players from Long Eaton United's boys under 11s joined the Canal and River Trust (CRT) in removing crisp packets, bottles, cans and other rubbish from the Erewash Canal.

They paddled out in canoes to fish out litter, cleared the towpath and nearby hedgerows, near Trent Lock, collecting four large bags of waste in the process.

Team manager Romaine Graham said the players had fun and learned a lot about the environment.

The CRT said the boys had worked hard to improve the area

The CRT said the clean up, was part of its "Plastics Challenge" which encourages people to carry out short litter picks at their local canal to prevent plastic rubbish damaging vital waterside habitats.

Mr Graham said: “The canal is such an important part of Long Eaton and we wanted to do our bit to make it nicer for everyone living and working in the town.

"It was a great activity and we had a fun and productive day, with both the kids and adults learning a lot.”

Carol Burrell, the CRT's community wellbeing co-ordinator, said: "It was fantastic to see the boys getting out there and really making a difference.

"Their hard work has made the canal look a lot better for boaters and helped to protect precious local wildlife."