An award-winning scheme launched by Northumbrian Water to help tackle water pollution is set to grow across the North East region.
The initiative involves volunteer Water Rangers walking, weekly or fortnightly, along local public access routes next to streams, becks, burns and bathing waters which are prone to pollution.
After completing their walk, Water Rangers report on the condition of the watercourse so that potential pollution can be dealt with quickly.
The scheme originally started in 2014 with 32 routes but has now increased to 55 routes, ranging from 210 metres to 3.6 kilometres long.
Water Ranger Peter Stone said: “The Water Rangers scheme is very proactive and it is fantastic to see Northumbrian Water expanding and developing the scheme with new routes and additional Water Rangers.”
Volunteer Water Rangers receive training on environmental issues and what to look out for when monitoring watercourses. They are offered additional volunteering opportunities to support local community projects and work alongside key partnership groups.
