VOLUNTEERS are being sought by the Canal & River Trust to become lock keepers at Hanbury Junction.
The charity is hoping people from Bromsgrove and Droitwich will come forward to take up what many consider a key waterways role.
As well as helping boaters through the locks, the lucky applicants will also be given the task of welcoming visitors and helping the trust’s team ensure the waterways are maintained.
There have been lock keepers along the UK’s canals for hundreds of years and it is hoped residents will be able to keep the tradition going.
Volunteers, who will be given full training, work on a shift basis throughout the year. The busiest periods are expected between April and September.
Tom Misselbrook, who has been a lock keeper for the last two years, said: “I volunteered so I could contribute to making the canal system an enjoyable place for boat owners and tow path users.
“It gives me an opportunity to work outside, keeps me physically active and by being a lock keeper I have made some good friends.”
He added he would recommend it to everyone.
Caroline Kendall, volunteer development coordinator at the Canal & River Trust, said: “Volunteer lock keepers do an amazing job and we get so much positive feedback about the work they do.
“The canals are perhaps more popular now than in any time in living memory, with people not only boating but cycling, walking and fishing as well.
“The lock keeper role is really to be the welcoming face of the canal, and help out anyone who might need it.
“If you’ve got a bit of spare time and are interested in working outdoors, then this is a great opportunity, and I’d encourage people to get in touch.”
Visit www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/volunteer for more information.
