Actors to encourage volunteers

ACTORS are now being used to encourage people to become volunteer lock keepers.

Brian Blessed is one actor who has given his support in a call for volunteer lock keepers on 'more than 50 canals', with special mention of Bingley Five Rise and Tuel Lane locks.

Olympics

Mention is also made of volunteers for the locks of the Hertford Union Canal in connection with the Olympics.

Brian Blessed has had an interest in canals and remarks:

"They're unique places so I would urge people with a real passion for their local waterway to get involved as a volunteer lock keeper or take advantage of one of the many opportunities to support the Canal & River Trust.

Successful trial

Following a successful trial period along stretches around the Grand Union Canal, Kennet & Avon Canal and the Trent, the scheme is now being rolled out to all areas of the country.

According to British Waterways, volunteers contributed more than 24,000 days between April 2010 to March 2011 and over 50 people successfully took part in the volunteer lock keeper trials last year.

Public interest

Ed Moss, National Volunteering Manager for British Waterways commented:

"The task of a lock keeper is arguably the most symbolic on the waterways and our trials have shown us that there's huge public interest out there for the waterways. It's a perfect opportunity for those who enjoy working in the outdoors and are perhaps looking for something different to do and help support the Canal & River Trust in what will be its first year."