A NEW residents group has been set up in a bid to rejuvenate a stretch of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal towpath.

The "Friends of the Canal" group, in Clayton-le-Moors and Altham, aims to give the area a new lease of life and has been created by the environment charity, the Prospects Foundation.

Organiser Coun Miles Parkinson said: "The area is one of great importance to Clayton and in the past it has been neglected.

"The group has been set up to tackle the problems of the canal.

"We feel it has the potential to be an emblem for the towns.

"It should be what the area is all about."

It is now hoped that more wildlife and plants can be encouraged in the area.