TWENTY volunteers from HSBC in Truro gave up their weekend to clean the Truro River as part of the company's sponsorship of the Fal River Links project.

The litter pick marked the end of another successful year of funding from the bank, which pledged to inject £45,000 into the project over a three year period.

Fal River links - which was set up two years ago to encourage residents and visitors to the county to preserve the environment by travelling around on ferries, buses and on foot - has been using the money to increase public understanding of Cornwall's marine environment with emphasis on the River Fal and educate children about the area to encourage them to protect it.

Director and one of the founder members of Fal River Links, Tim Light, said: "We are delighted with the continued sponsorship from HSBC and their enthusiasm to help maintain the beauty of the area in which they work. For a small project such as Fal River Links to be given such a vote of confidence, is amazing.

"The money has enabled us, through a joint partnership with Cornwall Wildlife Trust, to inspire and educate young people through school activities and workshops and provide more opportunities for people to enjoy the wildlife and attractions found in and around the Fal and Helford Rivers," Tim added.

Denise Major from HSBC said the sponsorship is a first for the bank in the South West and is a prime example of how a bank can work in partnership with a private project in the local community to enhance the lives of people living, working and visiting that area.

She said: "HSBC is proud to be able to help Fal River Links achieve its aims through the sponsorship and the estuary clean is a way we can give something back to the local community and environment. It is not only about increasing awareness, helping to preserve the area and educating our youngsters - it's about having fun at the same time."

Project officer Jemima Ball, said the support has been invaluable this year. "The funding has enabled us to organise subsidised transport for local schools taking parting the new 'Our Cornish Rivers' school module delivered through Sense of Place - an initiative which was taken up by Cornish schools and enabled over 400 children get out of the classroom as part of their learning; we've been able to sponsor events during the Fal River Festival (delivered by Cornwall Wildlife Trust) which included rock pool rambles, mud sculpture competitions and an otter walk and finally the funds have also helped us support a new teaching unit at the National Maritime Museum called 'Moon and Tides' which will accompany the Sense of Place module during the next school term."

Fal River Links has also been helped this year by many private and public partners including Cornwall County Council, Cornwall AONB, Hine Downing solicitors, Rural Renaissance Programme, local Harbour Offices and Cory Environmental For more information on Fal River Links call Jemima on 01872 861914 or log onto www.falriverlinks.co.uk