A charity launched earlier this year to improve the old Oakham canal has issued an appeal for volunteers.

The Oakham Canal Corridor Green Project is keen for people to engage with people and communities to speak about its good works.

The charity aims to upgrade footpaths, provide better access and manage the environment to improve wildlife habitats and water quality. Local environmental consultancy Ecology Resources is already on board, providing wildlife monitoring and site surveys.

A post on Facebook said: "We are looking for volunteers who can help us engage with schools, youth groups and young people's organisations.

"We are keen to get the next generation involved in their local canal and the wildlife and recreation opportunities it provides! If you are interested, please get in touch for chat."

Already, the charity has won the support of pupils from Oakham School, as Nub News recently reported.

When the charity was launched earlier this year, as reported by Nub News, Project manager Paul Dadford said: "The Oakham Canal is a vital part of our local heritage, and provides a number of diverse habitats in a very small area."

"Lots of people use the area but have had to watch much of it deteriorate through neglect and a lack of coordinated action to maintain it. Our friends at the Oakham Angling Society have worked hard to look after one small section, but much more needs to be done. Establishing a new 2.5-mile Green Corridor will be a positive move for wildlife, local people and visitors alike."

He added: "There has never been more need for open, green community spaces. The canal is a place for people to safely meet and walk and spend time together, promoting health and wellbeing – a much-needed resource in these times of Covid-19."

The project can be contacted using Facebook here.