Pollution of both the Chor and Yarrow rivers will be investigated after a cash grant was agreed.

The rivers will be targeted after conservationists won a grant from United Utilities’ Catchment Wise intervention fund.

Groundwork Lancashire West and Wigan, based in Wigan, will receive £20,000 to recruit a team of volunteers to walk the banks of the rivers Chor and Yarrow to find the causes of pollution.

Across the North West, the water company dished out almost £500,000, but received applications for more than two and a half times the value of the money available.

Manager Paul Henbrey said: “It’s been an amazing response. Charities and communities are working hard to clean up the brooks, streams, lakes and rivers they love. This money will get them started. Plus, they get our expert advice.”

Mr Henbrey added: “They might look lovely, but only just over a quarter of England’s water bodies are classed as “good” or better when it comes to water quality.

“We spend millions on our sewers, but there is only so much we can do alone.

“Other sources of pollution outside our control are becoming more and more important.

“Catchment Wise cash gives vital projects access to much needed funds.We think we’re the only water company working with community partnerships this way.”

Environment Agency programme manager Jim Ratcliffe said: “This means that communities can deliver improvements that really benefit their local environment.”