MORE than 50 volunteer canoeists will take to the water this weekend to remove litter and  rubbish from two Devon rivers.

Armed with bags and gloves supplied by the Environment Agency, the litter-picking paddlers will target a stretch of the River Dart between Dartmeet and Buckfast and the River Tavy from just upstream of Tavistock to Denham Bridge near Lopwell Dam. A similar clean-up on the Dart earlier this year resulted in the removal of more than 20 bin bags of litter ranging from plastic bottles and rubber dinghies to discarded shoes.

The event is being organised by professional kayaking coach, Mark Allen, from Exeter who is hoping around 30 volunteers will turn up on the Dart this Sunday and at least 20 on the Tavy. Litter will be collected by canoeists and volunteers patrolling the river-banks. The teams aim to clean 30 miles of river.

Mark said: 'We are fortunate to have some beautiful rivers in Devon for everyone to enjoy. Most canoeists care about the environment and don't like to see our rivers spoilt by unsightly litter. They are happy to take part in clean-up events and do their bit for the environment. We see it as a way of putting something back into the community. It also keeps our rivers tidy and looking good.' 

A lot of litter that finds its way into Devon's rivers is blown from picnic spots and adjoining roads and car parks. The majority of items are plastic, most of which can be recycled.

Mark, who recycled 90% of the litter collected in the last clean up on the Dart in February this year, said: 'Its laziness on the part of people who discard crisp packets and other litter not realising it ends up in a nearby river. We've also found fishing tackle caught in overhanging branches and trees.' 

Mark and his team of litter-picking paddlers plan to extend the clean-ups to other Devon rivers and turn them into annual events.