It wasn't the sunny start to the day that was forecast but eventually the sun came out to warm us up. Once we were kitted out with life jackets and briefed about the dangers of being on the water, we were welcomed aboard the CRT workboat. We were soon straight into pulling bits of rubbish out of the water. After navigation through Lime Kiln lock, we floated along to our first trophy item- a shopping trolley complete with child seats! The trolley proved handy later on when moving 17 bags of rubbish to the collection point. Using nets, rakes and pickers we pulled out of the water a variety of rubbish from footballs to coconuts,plastic bags, duvet cover and bottles. It was hard work dealing with the detritus so a tea break was offered and of course we all agreed it was a great idea. Nick offered around flapjacks, the CRT biscuit tin was also raided.
Refreshed, we moved onto Swann island where we found the litter just kept on coming. Nick & Ian were defeated by the mattress that poked out of the water (in fairness to them, it's well and truly stuck in the mud - a jcb digger would be needed to pull it out). No sooner had we got stuck in, then it was time to reboard the boat for a sail back to the mooring. 17 bags of rubbish and 1 shopping trolley now out of the water. Great work everyone and well done Glen on your first task.

Busy morning down the Wolsey Chimney canal making sure the tow paths are spic and span with Rich from Canal and River Trust. Weldone everyone fantastic efforts as always.

The famous five met Richard from Canals and River Trust today on the footpath near to Abbey Meadows. The task was to litter pick , chop any over hanging foliage and sweep up the black silt left from the floods. There was a buzz of excitement today as James from ITV came to see the Goodgymers at work and to ask a few questions.

Richard provided life jackets for the five and after James had filmed him and Interviewed Jen and Dave, the Goodgymers set to work. Stu,Dave and Richard tackled the silt whilst Jen,Lynn and Mel went looking for litter.

They weren’t disappointed and soon filled 6 bin bags. Another good task that made a huge difference to the footpaths . Well done everyone

The magnificent seven met at the task today which was clearing and tidying the canal path for the Canal and Rivertrust.

The seven set to work , litter picking , sweeping and general tidying along the footpath. All were given life jackets , gloves and equipment.

It didn’t take long to make a difference to the area. So many leaves had fallen and lots of used fireworks were bagged up for bins .

Stu saw a rat having a feast on a pumpkin near to Swans nest bridge . A lovely task . Well done everyone.

6 Goodgymmers came along to today's task down the canal at Bede Lock 44, a beautiful location for a sunny day, how lucky were we!

Today's task was cutting back the vegetation along the tow path with Rich from the Canal and River Trust. With all his tools and life jackets we were very well equipped for the job. After our safety briefing we were on our merry way passing the rats and on to the tow path.

Everyone got stuck in, Nick tackling a self seeded budleah growing along the path and other weeds along the edge. Our newest member Samir came back for his second Good deed, weldone Samir fantastic efforts, especially speed walking to the task.

Jimmy cycled, Dawn walked, Sarah and Stu saved their legs for racing half marathon's on Sunday, Sarah's in York and Stu's in Wales, good luck both and weldone all.

Goodgymmers took part in the Great British Spring clean today starting from Leicester City Centre walking towards the King Power stadium, where GoodGymmers Stu and Jimmy took part in the Loros 5k King Power run. Jimmy had already cycled to town and Stu had already run a 5K, they were on top form today!

Whilst the runners completed approx 1km laps of King Power the rest of us litterpicked down the canal as there was zero rubbish around the run.

Weldone GoodGymmers, nice to enjoy a walk/run in the sunshine collecting 2 full bags of grot along the way.