SALMON spotted in the River Yarrow for what is believed to be the first time in many years has led to a call for a special 'fish ladder' to be installed in time for next year's spawning.

The sighting at the upper reaches of the river was made by experienced salmon fisherman John Bamford.

John, aged 57, of The Oaks, Chorley, was with his three brothers Alan, Malcolm and Graham at the time.

The six pound salmon was heading back to spawn, but unfortunately could not negotiate Birkacre weir in Yarrow Valley Park.

John said: "We usually go for a walk every morning down the valley and head towards the waterfall because there are trout jumping as well.

"We were just looking at a number of sea trout, but they could not get any further up, when I saw the salmon.

"It was a hen fish and almost got up. That's the first I've seen here. I have lived in this area all my life and I'm going back 50 years." John, a retired distribution manager for Crown Paints, Darwen, said the salmon was probably lost trying to get back to the River Ribble to spawn.

He explained that, as salmon return to where they were born to spawn, it was important to help them get back up the Yarrow.

A fish ladder project has been planned.

"That ladder needs to be in position by September, October at the latest, said John.

"All these young salmon that are born would belong to the River Yarrow and would come back again."

By an extraordinary coincidence the official launch of Croston-based Friends of the River Yarrow was heralded by the fabulous fishy find.

Mike Callery OBE, chairman of FrY (Friends of River Yarrow), said: "The weir presents an impassable obstacle to migratory salmon and sea trout."

Steve Whittam, fisheries management and science team leader for the Environment Agency, said: "The return of the salmon to the River Yarrow demonstrates improvements in water quality and importantly the need for the Yarrow project.

"The River Yarrow project will lead to further improvements in water quality and also aims to rebuild suitable in-river and bankside habitat. This will not only benefit salmon, but all river wildlife."

FrY's aim is to improve the environment of the River Yarrow.

The Environment Agency is a partner in designing and carrying out the action plan and has provided £18,000 to the project.

Lancashire Waste Services and Lancashire Environmental Fund, supported by Lancashire County Council, have agreed in principle to provide a grant of £74,000.

And Chorley Borough Council has offered £5,000 towards the fish ladder.

County councillor Alan Whittaker, cabinet member for Lancashire County Council and Chorley MP Lindsay Hoyle were the principal guests at the launch of the group at Croston Old School earlier this month.