A GROUP of paddle boarders have collected more than 100 kilos of rubbish from the River Weaver.

In just a two-mile stretch, Mid Cheshire SUP managed to fill up 20 bags of items discarded in the waterway, including cans, bottles, shopping trolleys and an old car tyre.

Thirty members of the group, which is based out of Winsford Flash Sailing Club, paddled all the way to Newbridge picking up the items as they went along.

Northwich Guardian: Members of Mid Cheshire SUP filled 20 bags of rubbishMembers of Mid Cheshire SUP filled 20 bags of rubbish

A Mid Cheshire SUP spokeswoman explained how much it means for everyone at the club to keep the river as clean as possible.

“I’ve been a member for the last four years now,” she said.

“But before I joined, the club adopted a two-mile stretch of the Weaver from the Canal and River Trust.

“Twice a year since then we’ve been doing our litter collections, and it’s unbelievable some of the things we find.

“This time for example we found a baby bath full of empty cans and bottles.

“We pull all kinds of things out of the river.”

Northwich Guardian: Mid Cheshire SUP take care of a two-mile stretch of the riverMid Cheshire SUP take care of a two-mile stretch of the river

In a bid to clean rivers on a national level, British Canoeing held 'The Big River Clean-up' event, which ran for a week between June 4-12.

“We did on ours on Thursday, June 9 and around 30 of our members all joined in, which was great,” she added.

“It can be a little disheartening because it is such an incredibly beautiful place to be.

“Being out on the water on your board is a great way to help your mental health as well.

“It can be frustrating to take out so much rubbish only for more to end up back in there.

“We also do clean-ups after storms when there’s branches and trees as much as we can.

“We even have a guy who comes out on his board with a mini-chainsaw so he can cut branches so that everyone else can enjoy.”

Northwich Guardian: Members of Mid Cheshire SUP doing their bit for the environmentMembers of Mid Cheshire SUP doing their bit for the environment

Although all are welcome to join the club, due its success and popularity, there is currently a waiting list in place.

If you would like further information, you can e-mail the club on midcheshsup@gmail.com.