It happens in Hungerford once a month, on a Thursday morning from April to October. The towpath of the Kennet and Avon canal comes alive with the chit chat and laughter of a group of 12 to16 men and women who have volunteered to work together as part of MET – Mike’s Environmental Team.

The Mike in question is the Revd. Mike Saunders, vicar of St. Lawrence’s church, Hungerford, and about half his team are volunteers from the congregation and half are non-churchgoers passionate about their environment.

Empowered by bacon butties (it seems that men will do almost anything for a bacon butty and a hot drink!), the team spends hours along the towpath, making life more pleasant for walkers and boaters alike.

They have painted three locks and three swing bridges, spread tons of gravel along the towpath, and cut back metres of intrusive vegetation. They have also planted 7,000 trees for local farmers.

Those who use the canal and towpath are an important part of life in Hungerford. The canal was built alongside the church and several members, including the vicar and his wife Alison, serve as Waterways Chaplains, offering to anyone they meet a listening ear, support, advice or information, if needed.

The vicar can be contacted by ringing 01488 208341 or found at the church or nearby Vicarage.