'Dive for Debris' helps clear Twenty Foot river at March of rubbish

A Fenland drain is now cleaner thanks to a group of hardy outdoor swimmers who joined local divers to clear debris from the river bed.

Nine local swimmers and three instructors, plus other divers from Dive In at Gildenburgh in Whittlesey, took part in the 'Dive for Debris' event on Sunday morning at the old bathing sheds on the Twenty Foot at Chain Bridge, March.

The event was part of an international effort to clear rubbish from seas and rivers.

One of those taking part said: "Not much debris compared to some other rivers. Us swimmers helped tidy around the site on the banks and edges, while the divers pulled the rubbish from the water.

"There were a number of younger divers, the youngest was 12 and he was quite a star, who took part and they were gaining certificates for the amount of debris they recovered.

"All in all a successful day. The swimmers will also be tidying up around March."

Afterwards participants tucked into warming bacon butties served on the river bank.