A CHESHIRE MP has met with dedicated volunteers to learn more about their projects cleaning up areas of Northwich.

Weaver Vale MP Mike Amesbury met James Coates from River Angels and associated groups Alley Angels, Trolley Angels and Litter Angels, whose volunteers are making a difference in Northwich, as well as Runcorn, Frodsham and beyond.

One project has included working alongside young people with mental health issues living at Dane House, Northwich, to clear up the nearby riverside.

James, himself a volunteer and Keep Britain Tidy ambassador, whose day job is regeneration and community co-ordinator for Your Housing, explained: "River Angels is all about transforming canals and rivers into safe, clean, enjoyable places for people to live, work and visit.

"We worked with young people from SIS Dane House in their 20s, 30s and 40s and their amazing support workers."

James, a former firefighter, added: "The primary goal is all about tackling environmental crime whether it’s litter, fly-tipping, abandoned shopping trolleys, graffiti, dog fouling.

"But there are some lovely secondary benefits that naturally come from those young people taking on responsibility. They improve their confidence, motivation and self-esteem.

"Some have lost weight, some have embraced their passions and some have even got jobs."

In Runcorn, James has challenged Mike to help in tackling an overgrown walkway subject to fly-tipping.

Mike, who in turn would like to work with the Angels to clear up alleyways in Northwich town centre, said: "It was great to meet up with James and the River Angels and I’d like to thank him for all he’s been doing in the community.

"There have been some great projects that started in Brookvale, Runcorn, but have also included a river clean-up project in Northwich and litter picking in Frodsham in partnership with The Frombles.

"We’ve each set each other a couple of challenges. But it’s not about us as individuals. It’s everyone working together to ensure our community becomes an even better place."

To find out more about River Angels and to get involved, visit @RiverAngelsTeam on Twitter or email: riverangels@yahoo.com.