THE Canal and River Trust is seeking volunteer lock keepers on the canal network around Middlewich.


Volunteer lock keepers are being sought for ten locks around Cheshire, Shropshire, Powys and Denbighshire, including the Middlewich Locks on the Trent and Mersey Canal, and Cholmondeston Lock on the Middlewich Branch of the Shropshire Union Canal.


Hunts Lock and Vale Royal Lock on the Weaver Navigation in Northwich are also on the list for wanted lock keepers.


Lock keepers have been part of canal life for hundreds of years and volunteer lock keepers play a crucial role in keeping the age-old tradition alive.


The role of the modern day volunteer lock keeper is to help look after the waterways, including helping boaters through locks, providing a polite and friendly welcome to visitors and helping maintain the canal network.


Wendy Capelle, waterway manager, said: “Volunteer lock keepers do a fantastic job and can be of all ages as long as they are reasonably fit and healthy and enjoy meeting new people. They really are the friendly face of the Trust and boaters love them.


“The role involves talking to boaters, helping them through locks, telling them about the local area and the history of the canal.


“The volunteers all receive training before the seasonal role gets underway around Easter time.


“Volunteer lock keepers can help with water management and waterway staff really value their input.”


If you are interested in becoming a volunteer lock keeper and don’t mind being outside and meeting new people, find out more at canalrivertrust.org.uk/volunteer.