Do you have what it takes to be a lock keeper and help boaters navigate west London's Grand Union Canal?
New recruits are needed to help man locks along the famous waterway, including those in Brentford, Hanwell and Uxbridge, welcoming visitors and helping to maintain the network.
The Canal & River Trust has invited people of all ages and experience to apply for roles on the Grand Union and Regent's canals as it attempts to keep the tradition alive
The locations where lock keepers are needed include:
Gauging Lock, Brentford, Grand Union Canal
Hanwell Flight, Grand Union Canal
Cowley Lock, Uxbridge, Grand Union Canal
Camden Road Lock, Camden, Regent's Canal
City Road Lock, Islington, Regent's Canal
Old Ford Lock, Mile End, Regent's Canal
Full training would be provided for successful volunteers, who would be required to work shifts throughout the year, with the busiest periods expected between April and September.
Jon Guest, waterway manager at the Canal & River Trust, said: "Lock keeping is an iconic role, going all the way back to when London's canals were first built two centuries ago.
"Our volunteer lock keepers will be keeping this great waterway tradition alive. It's an ideal job for people who want to work outdoors and keep these unique, but increasingly popular, parts of the capital moving. You'll be the welcoming face of the waterways, and I'd encourage anyone interested to get in touch."
* Applications are open until February 28. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer lock keeper, find out more at canalrivertrust.org.uk/volunteer
* See how former Hounslow Chronicle reporter Lima Curtis got on when she tried being a lock keeper for the day in Brentford.
