River clean-up has some startling finds

* The pistol taken out of the river. 

* A traffic cone retrieved during the clean-up.

* On the carpet.

* A window frame discovered by a paddler.

* Another huge metal object retrieved.

A group of canoeists came up with some interesting finds when they did a clean-up of the River Dee yesterday. 

Amongst their haul were traffic cones, carpet, mattresses ... and a gun. 

The paddlers were all part of the Dee Valley clean-up group which is dedicated to keeping their waterway clean and healthy for all its users. 

During last weekend’s  venture onto the water, which is their fifth so far during the three years they’ve been doing it, they removed three large bagsful of trash but the most startling thing they retrieved from the depths of the Dee was an automatic pistol with a few parts missing. 

Aaron Kendall, the clean-up organiser, said: “The gun was spotted by people on a rafting trip and then we went and cleaned it up. It was by the King’s Bridge under the water. Police firearms came and collected it."

He added: “You’d be amazed what you find in the river. 

“We had about 30 paddlers involved and a lawn mower, cash, washing machines, canisters and car parts were found. 

“We all love and use the river and we aim to give everyone the opportunity to keep this special environment in the best possible condition that we can. 

“Everyone taking part is doing so at their own risk and paddling well within their capabilities. All Welsh Government Covid guidelines are followed. 

“Huge thanks to Project Wanderer and Whitewater Active for supporting the clean-up.”