Carshalton and Wallington MP Tom Brake joined a dozen environmentalists last weekend to take part in a clean-up of the River Wandle.

The day, organised by the Wandle Trust, involved a clean-up along the banks of the river in Carshalton.

They installed flow detectors downstream from the Three Arches railway bridge to increase the river's diversity and improve the habitat for fish and invertebrates.

Mr Brake said: “It was great to have the chance to build on the work that the Trust has done in the Wandle. The river really is a landmark of our natural heritage here in Carshalton.”

The stretch of the river between Grove Park and Butter Hill in particular was heavily modified for industry over many centuries.

The Trust organises biweekly community cleanup days at different points along the river, including one in Sutton, and also runs educational programmes in local schools across Sutton, Merton and Wandsworth.

Theo Pike, chairman of the Trustees for the Trust, said: “After all the progress over the past twenty years, we need all the help we can get to keep it on its upward curve.”

To get involved visit wandletrust.org or call 0845 092 0110.