Crowds gather for launch of River Wye pollution campaign

Canoes have set off on a five-day journey along the Wye, carrying a statue of the Virgin Mary, to raise awareness about pollution.

The 75-mile trip started in Hay-on-Wye, and will follow the River Wye through Herefordshire, ending in Monmouth.

Churches along the route have agreed to ring the church bells as the statue passes by and at Hereford Cathedral it will be installed on the high altar for Choral Evensong and will stay overnight.

Vicar of Hay, Fr Richard Williams, led a cleansing of the waters and said: "It's to raise awareness about the dreadful, awful pollution in this lovely river.

"People love this river and it seems so hideous that people should be allowed to pollute it and spoil it."