Volunteers can help make a difference to their local waterways by donning their gardening gear and joining in with the Marlpit Balsam Bash in Norwich next week.

People are needed to help remove Himalayan balsam from the banks of the river at Marlpit, following an increase in the weed's growth.

Andrew Walters, RiverCare project manager, said: 'Himalayan balsam is a highly invasive plant which can alter the biodiversity of the river bank and negatively impact local wildlife and plant life.

'Thankfully, it can easily be pulled up by hand and in recent years regular 'Balsam Bashes' have helped us to reduce the impact of this invasive plant in the Marlpit area.

'But, following recent growth in the area more help is needed to prevent damage to the local environment.'

The event has been organised by the Norfolk Non Native Species Initiative in conjunction with Norfolk County Council and Keep Britain Tidy's Rivercare project, which is funded by Anglian Water.

Mr Walters added that the event offered people in the community a great chance to make a real improvement to the local environment and spend some time along a beautiful part of the Wensum as it flows through Norwich.

Volunteers are asked to wear sturdy footwear, long sleeves and trousers to protect against nettles and scratches.

Children must be accompanied by an adult. No children under five.

If you'd like to join the team on Tuesday, July 1, meet at 10.30am outside the Marlpit community centre. For more information, visit the RiverCare website: www.rivercare.org.uk

What are you doing to help the environment? Email david.bale2@archant.co.uk