A group of paddle boarders will use their skills to help clean up the River Weaver as part of World Earth Day.

Tatton MP Esther McVey praised the community spirit of local paddle boarders as they prepare to rid the river of plastic bottles and litter later this month.

Stand up paddle boarding sees people stand on their board and propel themselves through the water with a paddle. It means they can get into small spaces boats or canoeists would not be able to.

Ms McVey said: “This is real community spirit and everyone working together to do something worthwhile and keep our rivers clean. I was told about this when I visited the Canal and Rivers Trust and it is a great idea and I know how much the group want the event to be successful so they can volunteer again to keep the waterways clean.

“The paddle boarders want to help keep the area clean and are an example of how young people really care about their area and the environment and want to volunteer to make a difference.”

World Earth Day is on April 22 and this year focuses on ending plastic pollution, including creating global support to end single-use plastics.

Ms McVey added: “We all have a part to play in protecting the planet and keeping our towns and villages clean and I am delighted we have such dedicated young people in Cheshire who want to use their hobby and skill to make a difference at the same time as having fun.”