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Sacks of rubbish, a bicycle and a shopping trolley... all in a day's work for our waterways clean-up volunteers
AN army of volunteers gathered sacks of rubbish and weeds from Calderdale river banks.
Dozens of people joined the ninth annual River Day event along the length of the River Calder through the valley.
This year celebrates the 10th anniversary of Calder Future and its work improving the district's water courses, river banks and towpaths.
A total of 12 clean-ups were organised and volunteers pitched in however they could – eight Halifax Sub Aqua Club members even donned wetsuits to go underwater near Elland Bridge.
Hilary Shaw, a 53-year-old diver, said: "We spent a couple of hours and there was all sorts in there, a shopping trolley, plastic, bits of string. We've even found a lawnmower in the past.
"We've helped out like this for years and it's lovely to see it clean at the end despite the unmentionables you find on the way."
Geoff Hill, Calder Future volunteer was in Hebden Bridge clearing the cycle paths of Himalayan balsam, a weed that spreads along the banks.
He said: "If everyone who walks or cycles along here pulled out a few and stamped on them it would help keep the numbers down and encourage native flowers."
At Wellholme Park, Brighouse, eight volunteers cleared a long stretch by the river and planted some shrubs.
Other activities took place in Hebden Bridge, Blackshaw Head, Brighouse, Eastwood, Elland, Todmorden, Mixenden, Mytholmroyd and Sowerby Bridge.
In Todmorden youngsters got their hands dirty by picking litter and pulling out balsam.
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Saturday 04 February 2012
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