ANYONE looking to spend some time in the open air along Worcestershire’s historic waterways this summer is being encouraged to put their name forward as a volunteer canal lock keeper.

The Canal and River Trust is seeking volunteer lock keepers for Diglis Basin in the centre of Worcester, Stoke Prior near Bromsgrove on the Worcester to Birmingham Canal.

Volunteers are also needed for the Hanbury junction, where the Droitwich Canal begins, as well as the section of the waterway running through the town’s Vines Park.

James Cowlishaw, who has manned the lock at Hanbury junction for the past three years but has now retired, said the role had helped him get out in the fresh air, get exercise and meet new people.

“I really enjoy it,” he said.

“It’s great to be spending time outdoors, doing something useful and being an ambassador for the area.

“The people around the canals are really nice, and I’ve been able to get to know them and get fitter at the same time.”

The role involves helping boaters through the locks, maintaining the area and welcoming visitors.

Waterway manager at the Canal and River Trust Nick Worthington said the role was open to people of any age as long as they were reasonably fit.

“Volunteer lock keepers do a fantastic job, they really are the friendly face of the canals,” he said.

“The role involves talking to boaters and visitors, helping them through locks, telling them about the local area and the history of the canal.”

He added all volunteers are given training around the Easter period, with the role expected to begin in the summer.

“The waterways around Worcestershire are a fantastic asset to the area and it’s largely thanks to the volunteers and people who use it that make it this way,” he said.

“I’d encourage anyone interested in the roles to get in touch.”

For more information visit www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/volunteer.