It is hoped volunteers will get more involved in conservation

People living around the town of Seaton in south east Cornwall are being encouraged to join a community clean-up of the River Seaton.

Volunteers will work to reduce the size of dams of debris which have built up and are currently clogging the river.

They are causing major erosion problems and damaging the habitats of animals.

Practical conservation

The clean-up is being run by the Professional Association of Diving Instructors.

Also helping organise the event is Caradon District Council and the Whitsand Bay Divers' Club.

They all hope to increase people's appreciation of the importance of water systems and to get people more involved in practical conservation projects.

Tamsyn Butler, of Caradon District Council, said: "We want to help people realise that looking after the local environment doesn't stop where the land ends.

"Rivers are vitally important to wildlife as well as providing natural beauty for human visitors to enjoy."

The clean-up starts on Saturday morning.