SCORES of people braced the rain to and gloomy whether to paddle in the canal for a good cause.

The nationwide Plastic Patrol campaign came to the Leeds and Liverpool canal in Blackburn on Saturday to help rid water ways of pollution.

Lead by Lizzie Carr, guests were invited to jump on a paddle board and litter pick in the canal.

The event was one of a series of events held at canals across the country in recent weeks hosted by the Canal and River trust to highlight the problem of plastic pollution.

Ms Carr said: "Canals like the Leeds and Liverpool site are iconic pieces of heritage.

"It's a great site and really important we look after it.

"It's just great to be able to give something back and protect it for future generations.

"It wasn't until I started going in the water that I realised how much of an issue plastic pollution was."

Last year Ms Carr, from London, became the first person to paddle board the 400-mile length of England’s inland waterways solo to highlight the problem of plastic pollution through.

Around 15 people hit the waters at the event off Eanam Old Road, while shore picking was also on offer for those who didn't want to enter the water.

Kathryn Garnett, 32, who attended said: "I've been following Lizzie for a while and I've been waiting for a chance to get involved with the plastic patrol.

"I've tried paddleboarding quite a bit when it was nice and warm on holiday, it's a shame it's not as warm here today.

"It's great to get out there and do something fun and different for a good cause."

Around 20 bags of rubbish were collected on the day by volunteers in and around the water.

Across the country so far more than 150 bags of waste has been collected thanks to the campaign.

Matthew Tuttey, who helps support the campaign, said: "It seems to be gaining momentum.

"More and more people are coming along to help out.

"It's a great cause and Lizzie has been doing a great job with it."

The Leeds and Liverpool Canal is cared for by the Canal and River Trust, who said it is 'delighted' to be supporting the cause.

Chantelle Seaborn, waterway manager from the Canal & River Trust said: "It’s a great way to encourage people to get outside, enjoy their local waterway, while highlighting the problem of plastic pollution."

For more information visit plasticpatrol.co.uk.