A TASKFORCE helping to restore the Leeds Liverpool Canal are calling on volunteers for support.

The Canal and River Trust Hyndburn Volunteers will be hosting 'taskforce days' at Bridge Street, Church, in January and February.

They will be carrying out works between Church at Kirk Changeline Bridge, 112, and Simpsons Bridge, 111D.

Nick Munro Turner, volunteering team leader, said: "This is an important part of the canal as it links to the national cycleway, local walks, businesses and leisure facilities.

"It is an area of historical and industrial heritage as part of the canal was the wharf at Church and a pub called the Navigation Inn stood next to the bridge. In the near future we may be able to host some canoe activities to tackle the detritus that we cannot reach from the tow path."

The Hyndburn Volunteers are going to Bridge Street on January 19, followed February 2 and 16 between 10am and 2pm.

Volunteers should provide their own lunch and a drink, wear suitable clothing for practical tasks, strong footwear and dress for the weather conditions on the day. Gloves, tools, life jackets and materials will be provided.

Barbara Sharples, lead volunteer for the Hyndburn stretch of the Leeds Liverpool Canal, added: "These are our first task days of 2022 and it is the first time we have been to this area.

"To quote local historian Gary Britland - this part of the canal is a bit of a mess at the moment - all lost and dishevelled.

"We would like to invite individual volunteers and local community groups to come along and help. People can come along for a taster session and attend from 10am for as long as they can manage. If they enjoy it they can sign up as a regular volunteer.

"There is on street parking and according to the advertising boards the local snack bar is open until 1:30pm. New volunteers will be made very welcome."

The meeting point is Bridge St, Church, Accrington BB5 4HU.

People walking to the site from the Rishton direction will need to take the tarmac Hyndburn Greenway from Bridge 109 to Church, Kirk Changeline Bridge, 112 and turn right on to the towpath as the length of the towpath from 109 to 110 is currently closed due to contractors working on a leak in the canal.

People can walk from Clayton-le-Moors and cross over the changeline bridge, turn left down the cobbles to the towpath. The meeting point will be at the grassed area on your right before you get to Bridge No 111D.

From Oswaldtwistle access points you can walk the Ossie Loop towpath to the 'fairy caves' and then just after Simpsons Bridge, 111D, you will reach the grassed seating area on your left.

Please let an organiser know if you are attending so they have enough equipment to keep everyone busy.

The contact details are: 07770 811706 or email nick.turner@canalrivertrust.org.uk