A NORTH-EAST environmental charity is calling for more volunteers to help improve the River Tyne and its tributaries.

The Tyne Rivers Trust kicked off its volunteer drive this week by hosting a hedge laying session in Corbridge, with volunteers given the chance to learn a new skill.

An additional session is planned in the village at 10.30am on Monday, with volunteers asked to book a place prior to the event.

Jenny Elliott, the trust’s volunteer co-ordinator, said: “We have a fantastic group of volunteers but we’re always keen to recruit more. It’s a great way to spend time outdoors in some beautiful scenery and there’s a very social side to working alongside people.

“Our tasks range from willow weaving to stabilising a riverbank, and clearing debris from the river and tree planting. We send a monthly task bulletin so that people can volunteer to fit in with their life and we also run tasks at the weekend as well as in the week.

“The river is part of the fabric and history of the region and we want it to thrive.

“I’m confident that with the help of the communities that live along it we can achieve not just a better river, but a better region and better life for everyone.”

Anyone who would like to find out more about becoming a volunteer should contact Jenny Elliott on (01434) 636902.