TWO televisions and two Xboxes were uncovered during the cleaning of a canal bed.

The annual spring clean of the New Cut Canal in Woolston saw around 30 volunteers turn out to remove fly-tipped rubbish and litter from the bed – resulting in some shocking finds.

Items found in the mud and silt included two televisions, one of which appeared to be a relatively new 48 inch model, a bicycle and two suitcases.

On closer inspection, one of these suitcases contained two Xbox video game consoles.

New Cut Heritage and Ecology Trail Group member Anne Price said: “The New Cut canal is nearly 200 years old and as the last really complete sector of the Mersey and Irwell Navigation needs to be cared for.

“We achieved a lot and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the day – local residents are becoming aware of our work and on the day a mum and her daughter passed by and on seeing what we were doing joined in.”

The clean-up focussed on notorious fly-tipping hotspots between New Cut Lane, Bridge Lane and the rear of Nottingham Close.

A skip full of rubbish was accumulated from the blitz, which was organised by the New Cut Heritage and Ecology Trail Group and Warrington Borough Council.

Ian Johnson, chairman of the New Cut Heritage and Ecology Trail, said: “We have had excellent cooperation from Warrington Borough Council since the group began work and we are working with officials on a long-term management plan to progressively improve the New Cut and Paddington Meadows for both wildlife and people to enjoy.”