UNITED Utilities employees in Warrington have helped to enhance a unique part of the town's natural heritage.

Volunteers planted wetland wildflowers, erected protective fencing and installed information signs at Paddington Meadows, Warrington's last remaining area of waterside grassland.

The event was one of a number of community clean ups organised by United Futures - the regeneration partnership between United Utilities and Groundwork UK - to mark the international spotlight on the environment.

The workers joined colleagues from the Environment Agency and Groundwork Mersey Valley, who are already working towards managing the area as a nature reserve with landowners Warrington Borough Council.

Dan Walmsley, United Utilities corporate responsibility manager for the north west, said: "United Utilities plays a major role in cleaning up and protecting the environment.

"Every day we collect and treat 2,200 million litres of wastewater in the north west and we take care of the 57,000 hectares of land that forms the gathering ground for our reservoirs.

"But efforts like the work here at Paddington meadows are important too. They make a real difference to improving the quality of life for the communities in which we live and work."

Eamonn Ritchie, from Groundwork, said: "This is the second year running that United Utilities employees have volunteered to work at Paddington Meadows to mark World Environment Day.

"I'd like to thank everyone who took part for their help in continuing to increase the biodiversity of a unique site which all the people of Warrington can enjoy."