ROSSENDALE residents are bring urged to put on wellies and waders to help give local rivers a spring clean.

Volunteers to help the Rossendale Rivers Initiative only need waterproof footwear to join in.

Waterways including the River Irwell close to Rawtenstall's Asda superstore, the Limy Water in Crawshawbooth, Stacksteads Riverside Park and Spodden Valley will all be included in the scheme to be co-ordinated jointly between Rossendale Rivers Initiative, Mersey basin Campaign and Rossendale Borough Council.

Joanne Regan, from the Rossendale Rivers Initiative, explained: "Many of our waterways are choked with all sorts of rubbish, from crisp packets to furniture, as people use them as a dumping ground.

"This can lead to flooding, and the possibility of harming wildlife and people who use the waterway.

"Litter in rivers also makes them an eyesore, preventing them from reaching their full potential as fewer people consider they are recreational beauty spots."

Included in the scheme is:

The Supermarket Sweep on Tuesday outside Asda, Rawtenstall, between 12 noon and 4pm. Artist Malcolm Halliwell has recently been busy on the Irwell Sculpture Trail and will be exhibiting his work, produced from materials reclaimed from local waterways.

Crawshawbooth Environmental Group will carry out the Litter Free Limy Water project between 10am and 12noon on Wednesday in Crawshawbooth.

Spring Clean Stacksteads Riverside Park will take pace on Wednesday between 2pm and 4pm with the help of Stacksteads Riverside Park group.

Spring Clean Spodden Valley will take place with help from children at St Bartholomew's CE Primary on April 22. Volunteers are invited to be available between 1pm and 3pm.