A CHARITY which looks after 2,000 miles of the nation's waterways is holding an open day to recruit people who want a new challenge for 2018.

Canal & River Trust is looking for people who love working with children to help its education team bring the Tees Barrage to life.

Volunteers will help the Canal & River Trust’s education team, known as Explorers, to develop new, interactive and curriculum-related resources for local primary schools, Scout and Brownie groups to use during trips to the Tees Barrage, teaching them about the history of the River Tees and the construction of the Tees Barrage, to its importance in preventing flooding and enhancing life within and by the water.

Claire Cavendish, Education Co-ordinator at Canal & River Trust, said: "Volunteers get involved in all sorts of activities, from classroom sessions exploring the area’s heritage and practical activities on water safety, to getting hands-on with wildlife."

The open morning is at the Tees Barrage on January 9, from 10am to 12 noon. For more information visit www.canalrivertrust.org.uk