THE SEARCH is on to find new volunteer lock keepers to help at Diglis Basin.

The Canal and River Trust is appealing for people to help boaters through the locks, as well as welcoming in visitors to the area and helping to maintain the waterway.

The volunteers will help to keep the age-old tradition alive along the canal, where lock keepers have been part of waterway life for hundreds of years.

Caroline Kendall, volunteer development coordinator at the Canal and River Trust, said: "Volunteer lock keepers do an amazing job and we get so much positive feedback about the work they do.

"The canals are perhaps more popular now than in any time in living memory, with people not only boating but cycling, walking and fishing as well.

"The lock keeper role is really to be the welcoming face of the canal, and help out anyone who might need it.

"If you’ve got a bit of spare time and are interested in working outdoors, then this is a great opportunity, and I’d encourage people to get in touch.”

For more information about becoming a volunteer lock keeper visit canalrivertrust.org.uk/volunteer.