A 25 MILE stretch of river is to be the subject of a major clean-up operation - with the help of litter vigilantes.

The volunteers will comb the banks of the River Skerne, which begins in Trimdon, County Durham, before it flows into the River Tees under Croft Bridge, near Darlington, as part of the spruce up.

It is hoped the Big Skerne Scour will encourage communities along the river’s course to join the River Tees Trust in clearing rubbish and environmental debris from its riverbanks.

Ben Lamb, a Tees River Trust manager based in Darlington, said: “The Skerne is a beautiful river compared to how it was even just 30 years ago.

“However, the river and its banks are blighted by litter – from bottles to bags and trolleys to fags. The variety of items discarded along, chucked, blown and washed into it is obscenely eclectic.

“Bizarrely, in 2012, a dentist chair was hauled out of the river under Victoria embankment bridge.”

The clean-up, planned for Sunday, October 23, was organised by litter pickers after a community effort saw the transformation of a troubled section of the River Skerne last month.

Walkers had noticed a substantial blockage interrupting the course of the river, close to Darlington’s South Park, and were joined by the Environment Agency after an online appeal for help.

Peter Greenwood, who has previously volunteered to clean the Skerne in Darlington, said: “A growing number of Friends groups, Street Champions and individuals are taking the problem into their own hands and organising litter picks.

“[They are] supported and encouraged by initiatives such as Litter Free Durham and Darlington Street Champions.”

During the Big Skerne Scour, bin bags, gloves and litter picking sticks will be provided to volunteers who will be shown organised collection points to drop off the waste collected.

A survey will also be available for those getting involved to share problems from their area or ways to improve the current condition of waste pipes or drainage systems.

Mr Greenwood added: “For the first time, ‘Skerne Scourers’ will all combine for a united effort throughout the length of the river, from Trimdon to Croft.”

Would-be conservation volunteers and members of wildlife and community groups in the region are invited to attend a workshop in Darlington to offer advice on how to safely run outdoor conservation activities.

To book the workshop on Sunday, October 16, between 10.30am and 3.30pm, email santobus@teeswidlife.org or call 01287-636382.

For details or to take part in the Big Skerne Scour on Sunday, October 23, call 01325-787651. Alternatively, contact Friends of the River Skerne at facebook.com/groups/riverskerne/ or email jacqui@teesrivertrust.org