A group of volunteers are soon to join together and tackle a number of alien plant species seen close to the National Space Centre in Leicester.

Leicester City Council and the Environment Agency will also be heading down to the canal to remove non-native plants that are causing problems for the area.

One of the main areas for the volunteers will be Belgrave Lock, which has fallen victim to the Floating Pennywort.

This particular weed can block rivers and canals if it is left untreated for long periods of time.

Richard Bennett, British Waterways' senior ecologist, commented: 'Non-native plants not only have the potential to restrict our enjoyment of the waterways but can also be incredibly damaging both to native species and to property.

'British Waterways recently called upon people on UK Canal Boat Holidays to ensure they stay safe while enjoying the water this summer.