VISITORS to the Leeds and Liverpool Canal through Craven are being urged to do their bit to help keep the towpath plastic-free.

The Canal & River Trust is asking the many canal users to pick up – and take home to recycle – one piece of plastic each time they visit.

People are also being invited to take a photo of themselves with the plastic and then share it on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #PlasticsChallenge.

The trust said that if everyone who visited the canal picked up just one piece of plastic, the waterways could be litter-free within a year.

Sean McGinley, Yorkshire and North East director with the charity, said: “Autumn is one of the loveliest times to visit the canals, as the turning leaves transform them into glorious corridors of orange, brown, red and gold.

“But sometimes, what you think is the rustle of fallen leaves is actually the sound of a discarded crisp packet or a piece of plastic.

“We want people to join us in taking action on plastic pollution.

“Autumn is a great time to get involved. Go along for a walk and if you find any litter, pick it up and take it home to recycle. And get creative and find a picturesque backdrop to showcase your action and share the results with us!

“Being by the water makes people healthier and happier so, whatever you choose to do, a trip to the waterways is the perfect way to enjoy an autumnal afternoon.”

The trust, which looks after 316 miles of canal in Yorkshire and the north-east, says 80 per cent of plastic found in the oceans originates inland.

And the trust’s own research shows that 500,000 pieces of plastic end up in the sea from inland waterways every year.

“Canals are great spots for selfies so pick up a piece of plastic as you pose for the perfect picture!” added Mr McGinley.