VOLUNTEER GROUPS from Leeds to Skipton are gathering to give the River Aire a giant Spring clean from top to bottom during a weekend next month.

Angling clubs, community groups and the environmental campaign groups will join together with the support of the Aire Rivers Trust to deliver a series of clean ups.

These will all take place between Thursday 7th and Sunday 10th April.

Simon Watts, Community Engagement Manager for the Aire Rivers Trust said: “The River Aire is a fantastic example of a river that is getting better and better. It is leaving behind its history of use and abuse by industry.

"Along the length of the river we see good quality coarse and fly fishing, beautiful wildlife and fantastic walks. We’re even seeing Atlantic salmon returning to the river after they were lost 150 years ago.

"The River Aire is a green and blue space that’s close to many of our hearts and a source of joy for the people getting involved."

The groups that plan to take part in the clean up include Bradford City Angling Association, Wild About Lothersdale and Cleaner Greener Cononley.

Around Keighley they’ll be joined by River Worth Friends, Keighley Angling Club and Riddlesden Toad Patrol.

In Bingley, Friends of Myrtle Park plan to clean the banks of the River Aire as it flows through their park.

In Bradford, Greengates and Apperley Bridge Community Volunteers, Friends of Bradford’s Becks, young people from the Springfield Centre help out.

Further downstream, Friends of the Aire will clean the riverbanks in south Leeds.

"We know that winter will have seen a lot of litter and debris washed into the River Aire from floods and its surroundings. Here, they can increase the risk of floods, whilst making local beauty spots unsightly for visitors. We want to work together to remove them before they get washed downstream or harm wildlife,” Mr Watts added.

Barney Lerner, a volunteer taking part in the event said: “The Friends of Bradford's Becks are delighted to support the Our Clean River events. Clean rivers make our surrounding into pleasanter places to work and live.

"And fish, kingfishers, otters and other wildlife thrive in when the rivers and clean and free from plastic. So come along and help us clean up Bullgreave Beck.”

Details of all events and how to join can be found on the Aire Rivers Trust’s website at www.aireriverstrust.org.uk and on social media using the hashtag #OurCleanRiver.