The countryside has two new champions.

Calderdale Council and Yorkshire Water are embarking on the second year of a joint project to help people get the most out of their visit to the borough’s countryside and reservoirs.

And to help two assistant countryside rangers –Luke Godfrey and Stephen Marshall – have been employed to assist with the management and leisure opportunities at a number of reservoir sites throughout Calderdale.

The rangers will be patrolling a number of sites across Calderdale until the end of September, including Mixenden reservoir, Baitings and Ryburn, Gorple, Widdop and Ogden Water.

Geoff Lomas, Catchment and Recreation Manager for Yorkshire Water, said: “This is a great example of partnership working that allows both ourselves and Calderdale Council to manage some of our important sites and allow our visitors to get the most and best experience that we can offer them.”

The duo will patrol the sites, highlight and address any problems that may occur, act as a point of contact for visitors, deal with illegal camping and litter clearance. They will also promote water safety.