VOLUNTEERS and members of the Dartmoor Preservation Association spent a busy day clearing gorse from Plymouth leat, on Roborough Common last weekend.

The leat was originally built at the end of the 16th century to provide a reliable water supply to Plymouth, the first sod being cut by Sir Francis Drake.

It was lined with granite slabs in the 1870s and continued to be used to supply water until the construction of Burrator Reservoir.

The DPA has been working with Roborough Commoners, Dartmoor National Park Authority and landowners Maristow Estates to remove vegetation and restore the historic leat.

Anyone who wold like more information should call Paul Rendell on 01837 54727.