They will tackle the 14-mile stretch of the Rochdale Canal from Walsden, Todmorden, to Sowerby Bridge, as part of the Stop Contamination Of Our Paths (SCOOP) campaign.

The litter-pick, held by Calderdale Council, British Waterways, the Waterways Trust and the Upper Calder Valley Renaissance Project, follows last year's blitz on the Todmorden banks.

Louise Harrison, project co-ordinator at the valley renaissance project, said: "We want as many people as possible to turn up – people who care about the canal and about their community. We want to make it a nicer place for everybody to use.

"It's a good chance to get out in the fresh air and meet some new friends."

The event on Sunday is part of National Towpath Tidy week, supported by the Campaign to Protect Rural England.

Anyone who wants to help can meet at one of three assembly points – Fielden Wharf, Todmorden; Station Road, Hebden Bridge; or the Station Road car park at Luddenden Foot – at 11am.

A raffle and photography competition will be held, prizes include a half-day narrowboat cruise.

The day will round off at the Dusty Miller pub, Mytholmroyd.