CONSERVATIONISTS in Martlesham look to become the first group in Suffolk to adopt a river.The Martlesham in Bloom working party is proving that it is not just flower power and keeping the village tidy that is important.

CONSERVATIONISTS in Martlesham look to become the first group in Suffolk to adopt a river.

The Martlesham in Bloom working party is proving that it is not just flower power and keeping the village tidy that is important.

The group has decided to adopt part of the River Fynn that runs through the village and makes up part of many designated walks around Suffolk Coastal.

Anglian Water is behind the project and since April 2000, the company has set up more than 400 projects across the region.

But it seems that no one in Suffolk has decided to take up the challenge until the Martlesham in Bloom group came along.

Chairman of the group, Laurence Burrows said the group was hoping to adopt part of the river that runs past the recreation ground on The Street.

He said: "The idea of the campaign is to adopt a stretch of river and then improve things such as access so more people can enjoy it.

"The recreation ground is used quite regularly by people playing football or just walking around and the river is hidden away at the end."

Mr Burrows said that it was planned to tidy the area up and cut back some of the brambles and nettles to let more wild flowers through and maybe even to put in a seat so more people can take time to enjoy the view.

It is hoped that more volunteers will also come forward to help with the work.