VOLUNTEER lock keepers are needed to work on the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal this summer.

Up to six people are needed work on the canal, near Llangynidr. Glandwr Cymru, the Canal and River Trust in Wales is looking for people who enjoy spending time outdoors and meeting people in their local community.

Lock keepers have been a fixture on Britain’s canals for over 200 years and today’s volunteers provide a polite and friendly face assisting boaters through the locks, maintaining the area on the towpath and answering questions from visitors.

The roles cover the main boating and visitor season from March to October and each volunteer commits to one or two days a week. Full training is given.

Ed Moss, volunteering manager for Glandwr Cymru, said: “We’ve several new sites that require teams or existing locations where we’d like more people to come and help.”

He added:“Working outdoors and staying fit have always been incentives for people of all ages as well as giving them a sense of pride knowing they are part of an army of people helping to protect this 200-year-old place for people and wildlife. The enthusiasm and dedication of our volunteers is magnificent.”

E-mail alan.sumnall@canalrivertrust.org.uk for details.