NELSON residents are being asked to pitch in to improve the environment in a canal clean-up tomorrow.

Local action group River Enhancement in East Lancashire (REEL) is organising the work which begins at 10am from the Palatine Club in Norfolk Street and continues to Lowther Street.

Co-ordinator Fiona Holland said: "The canal around Nelson is an eyesore - it has become a dumping ground.

"Boaters are reluctant to use it because the rubbish in the water messes up their machinery and the poor state of the footpath puts walkers off."

She added: "We would like the canal to become an attractive place for walkers to spend their spare time."

Saturday's work will continue next week, with participation from British Waterways and Nelson Probation Service.

The work is part of REEL's Action Week, a programme of events aimed at improving East Lancashire waterways and raising awareness of their value to the community.

Other events in Pendle next week include:

Wetland management, a project open to volunteers at Lomeshaye Marsh on June 20th and 26.

Cloverhill residents will welcome volunteers to help them clean Walverden Water in June 19 and 20.

History buffs can enjoy a free guided walk along Water Power Trail, leaving Pendle Heritage Centre at 11am on the 20th and 27th.

And for river life enthusiasts, Environment Agency ecologist Kathryn Charles will discuss river ecology at Nelson and Colne College on June 23.

Details from Fiona Holland on 01282 661897.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.