A group of Cockermouth volunteers has been working hard to remove an invasive plant species in the area.

At the beginning of the year, Phil Campbell agreed to lead a new U3A group dedicated to tackling the removal of Himalayan Balsam.

It is a non-native invasive annual plant which grows vigorously over the summer months, out competing native plants and reducing biodiversity on riverbanks.

After discussions with Izzie Mullin of West Cumbria Rivers Trust, they decided to concentrate their efforts on the bank of the River Cocker in the Simonscales Mill area.

Over the spring/ summer season, the group held 11 two-hour sessions with an average attendance of six volunteers.

"We estimate that we have removed around 14,000 plants over this period, potentially preventing the spread of seven million seeds," said Phil.