WATERLOGGED trainers, old tyres, and even a child’s scooter were pulled from the canal in Rishton during a community clean up event.

More than 30 people between the ages of three and their mid-80s gathered by the Leeds to Liverpool canal bank on Sunday to clear up rubbish dumped in the water.

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The event’s organiser, 23-year-old Steph Clarkson, said: “I’ve been travelling but I came back to Rishton recently and was appalled at the amount of litter along the canal.

“I advertised a clean up day and I’m so pleased at the response. It looks a lot better now.”

The Canal and Rivers Trust, the charity responsible for looking waterways across the country, sent a cleaning barge to help, while volunteers also used a grappling hook to grab larger items.

Volunteers from local environmental charity Prospects and the Great Harwood and Rishton Rotary Club helped out, as did the area’s police cadets.

Together they packed 20 bags full of litter as well as dragging out the scooter and several tyres, while staff at the Canal View Cafe handed out free hot drinks.

Local councillor Ken Moss, who helped out at the event, said: “Rishton Prospects adopted our section of the canal some years ago and whenever there is a clean up operation there is always good support from the community.

“We dragged all sorts out of the water, including trainers, tyres and even a scooter.

“I just wish people would treat the canal with a bit more respect.

“It’s something for Rishton to be proud of, not a dog toilet or a dumping ground.

“Hats off to Steph for caring enough to organise this and make a difference.”

Earlier this year, the shocking contents of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal were revealed when the Canal and Rivers Trust drained a section to try and find the cause of a leak.

The work revealed numerous types and other waste which had been dumped in the water between Finsley Gate and Manchester Road Bridge in Burnley.

A spokeswoman for the Canal and Rivers Trust said: “Sadly, it is not unusual to find rubbish at the bottom of a canal”.