STALWART anglers and friends braved driving rain and filled about thirty bags of rubbish from the banks of the River Aire near Carleton.

So high was the river that the annual river-clean up, organised by Skipton Angling Association, had to be restricted to the very top of the river bank to ensure people's safety.

Bags were provided by the club and after wo hours the litter pick was cut short when rapidly rising levels posed a threat to safety.

Areas targeted were below Carleton Stone Bridge, parking areas on Pale Lane, under Skipton bypass bridge and a short length along Carleton Road.

As in previous years all the collected rubbish was left by the road side to be taken away by Craven District Council the following day.

Work to complete stage two of their ‘river habitat restoration’ project in conjunction with the Wild Trout Trust and part funded by Yorkshire Water, had to be abandoned until conditions improve, said a SAA spokesman.

The aim was to fix large logs to the river bed to divert river flow, creating riffles to help in the removal of silt deposition and the restoration of existing gravel beds.

There had also been plans to plant specific areas with willow whips to help stabilize the bank and help prevent further silt deposits.

"We remain committed to improving the river Aire for all to enjoy and invite all local residents to join in with the events.

"Later in the year we will be back furthering restoration, planting more trees and tackling invasive species such as Himalayan Balsam and the dreaded toxic Giant Hogweed with help from the Aire Rivers Trust, Forest of Bradford Volunteers and The Woodland Trust," he said.