Years of rubbish that had lain in a ditch, found its way onto a canal path. Water rose to such a level, that it filled the ditch and overflowed across the path, and almost into the canal.

Once the flood waters receded, the litter was left behind, to snake its way alongside the canal, for about half a mile.

This part of the canal is really busy, and always has walkers, runners, cyclists, anglers and dog walkers. Families with prams and scooters are frequently seen, too, so it was important to return it to a clear, safe state.

When we arrived, there was a young lady with a full plastic bag in one hand, and a litter picker in the other. We had a chat, and it turns out that she, her partner and young son had also been clearing the canal path. The family walk their dog there, and live in the area. They thought that, rather than complaining about the mess, they would do something about it.

Having spent time yesterday, picking up and bagging some of the bottles and cans that were in their hundreds, today was earmarked for removing dozens of large polystyrene blocks.

Some pieces had already found their way into the canal, threatening wildlife. Those that littered the path were a trip hazard for visitors, especially in the dark, and so I gathered and stacked them, ready to transport to the bin, located some distance away.

A dozen or so trips, and the pathway was clear once more.

Long may it remain that way.