A GROUP set up to protect the River Crane and its surrounds will celebrate its 10th anniversary this weekend with a free party.


Friends of the River Crane Environment's (FORCE) 10th open day will take place at Kneller Gardens, in Twickenham, this Sunday (September 15).

The fun will kick off at 12pm with the official opening of the Meadway Orchard, followed by a dog show at 1pm (registration opens at 12pm).

There will be live music, a tug of war, arts and crafts and much more during the afternoon, which will culminate with a duck race at 4.30pm.

FORCE was set up in 2003 to fight plans by Richmond Council to develop green spaces along the lower Crane Valley.

Since winning that battle members have worked to clean up the river and surrounding land, encourage wildlife and to make it more accessible to the public.