A CANAL clean-up operation to remove weeds and rubbish from Tavistock canal is set to take place this Sunday (November 4).

The clean up has been organised by West Devon man Mark Samson-Hill who has appealed for help from volunteers.

Roger Sparling Skip Hire have agreed to provide a skip for free, and Devon County Council have agreed to let it be tipped free of charge at Coombebow.

'Anyone who comes along will be met with welcoming arms,' said Mr Samson-Hill.

He hopes people will turn up with wellies, rakes and plastic bags to help transfer rubbish from the riverside to the nearby skip, while Mr Samson-Hill and a colleague will brave the canal itself.

Mr Samson-Hill, who was prompted to take action by an article in The Times four weeks ago about the state of the canal, said anyone who would like to benefit the community by joining the DIY canal clean-up is welcome to join in, from 9.30am this Sunday (November 4).

For further information, willing volunteers can contact Mark Samson-Hill on 01822 832937 or 01822 833032.