The Paddington Arm of the Grand Union Canal has been improved, thanks to major improvement works totalling £33,000.

The Grand Union Canal towpath is one of Britain's longest canal routes built during the time of the industrial revolution.

The 500m stretch near Hazel Grove, Brent, has been improved with widened entrances, towpath repairs, improved signage and the planting of a new landscaped area.

The extensive work has been carried out by the Canal and River Trust, the charity that cares for 2,000 miles of waterways across the country.

Rosie Tharp, project coordinator for the south region, said: “We're seeing more and more people use the towpath in Alperton, so it's great to have made these improvements, which we hope everyone is enjoying.”

“We've seen from other stretches that when we can invest time and money into improving them, there is a real benefit for the community, and we're certainly keen to make more improvements in the future.”

And if you would like to do your bit, the Canal and River Trust is inviting local residents to join them on Saturday (March 28), giving you the opportunity to assemble bird boxes on the canal side to encourage nesting sites for birds as well as clearing any litter in the area. The event takes place between 10am and 1pm, meeting at Atlip Street.

The Trust's education team are also currently running classes for local schools in the area, looking at the wildlife on the waterway and the best way to care for animals such as swans, ducks and coots.