A RIVER rejuvenation scheme in Burnley is hoping to make waves as supporters hope to qualify for a televised appeal this autumn.

Ribble Rivers Trust and its Urban River Enhancement Scheme (URES) has been selected as a finalist in a BBC One National Lottery show which will be seeking out the public’s favourite initiatives for extra assistance.

Voting has already begun for the TV hunt - and will continue until Wednesday, July 23, with a £2,000 cash prize on offer in various disciplines.

The £750,000 URES has already seen major upgrades to the Rivers Brun and Calder in the town centre and beyond, with fish-friendly channels and ladders installed at key locations.

Junior environmentalists have also taken part in the Trout in the Classroom spin-off, where pupils oversaw the genesis of the fish from a tank to being released into the wild.

Victoria Dewhurst, of the Ribble Rivers Trust, said: “We are delighted to have reached the finals of the National Lottery Awards.

“Our National Lottery funding has allowed the Ribble Rivers Trust to run a project which will transform the river environments in Burnley town centre and improve hidden streams to attract more wildlife and engage the local community with their rivers.

“We really hope people across the north west and throughout the UK will get behind this innovative project and give us their support as we attempt to win a National Lottery award.”

TV star John Barrowman will be presenting the final show and backing for the Burnley bid can be pledged by going online to www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/awards or calling 0844 836 9689.

The seven categories in which awards will be presented are arts, sport, heritage, health, environment, education and voluntary/charity, to reflect ongoing funding priorities.