DEDICATED volunteers have given up hours of their time to clear overgrown banks along the Droitwich Canal.

Members of the Droitwich Waterways (Pamela May) Trust have been cutting back tangled brambles and ivy along the waterway towards Salwarpe.

The mess of vegetation had been obstructing the tow path and narrowing the width of the waterway, but a "huge improvement" has already been made.

Sandy Laird, of the Trust, said: "It was so narrow the boats were actually having to go through brambles in order to get past one another, and on the banks as well cyclists were not able to get past and were getting their legs scratched."

But thanks to the hard work of volunteers, the canal is already enjoying a radical transformation.

Mr Laird, who is also a member of Droitwich Town Council, added: "Two groups, on different days, have already made a huge improvement to the appearance of the canal banks down towards Salwarpe.

"It is absolutely wonderful, they really are the greatest bunch of guys in Droitwich."

The Trust undertook the work after offering its services to the Canal and River Trust (CRT). It was provided with the CRT's workboat to do the maintenance.

Teams of up to eight volunteers have ventured out on a few occasions, and have also been tidying up the Netherwych Basin.

"They have also done a fantastic job on the Netherwych Basin which was an absolute junk heap and Wychavon gave us two skips which we have filled with rubbish," said Mr Laird.

But the Trust is now calling for more volunteers to help them carry out their improvement works, while it sill has the CRT's boat.

The Pamela May is a community charity narrowboat based in Vines Park, which is run by a team of Royal Yachting Association-qualified volunteers.

The Trust gives disabled, elderly and disadvantaged members of the community a chance to explore the waterways. The boat is fitted with a powered lift and toilet facilities with wheelchair access.

Anyone is welcome to join the group as a volunteer. Contact Mr Laird on 01905 773620.

For more information about the Trust visit pamelamay.org.uk