A SCHEME in which volunteers patrol the region’s waterways looking for pollution is to be expanded.

The award-winning Water Rangers scheme, run by Northumbrian Water, sees dog walkers, cyclists, rambles and runners recruited to carry out regular walks along the banks of the North-East’s streams, becks and burns.

After completing their walk, rangers report on the condition of the watercourse so that any potential pollution can be dealt with quickly.

The scheme started in 2014 with 32 routes, but is now being increased to 55 routes, ranging from 210 metres to 3.6km long.

New volunteers are needed to cover routes including Gateshead, Washington, Chester-le-Street, Hetton-le-Hole, Sunderland, Spennymoor, Greatham, Middlesbrough, Guisborough and Darlington.

Volunteer Water Rangers receive thorough training and are also offered an annual payment as well as an invitation to a celebration event for volunteers.

Northumbrian Water’s Wastewater Director, Richard Warneford, said: “The Water Rangers initiative has been hugely successful and has helped us to spot and deal with potential threats to the environment at the earliest possible opportunity on a number of occasions.

For more information, visit nwl.co.uk, call 0191-301-6308 or e-mail waterrangers@nwl.co.uk.