WORCESTERSHIRE is in for an autumnal treat this year according to the Canal and River Trust.

The Trust is predicting a particularly dramatic display of autumn colours over the next few weeks, following the sunny summer the county has experienced, and the mild calm September, which has meant leaves have stayed longer on the trees.

Paul Wilkinson, local ecologist from the Canal and River Trust, said: “We’ve had the perfect recipe for an amazing natural showing this autumn. It’s been nice and warm but the odd rain shower here and there has kept everything growing. A mild September has kept the leaves on the trees so we’re set for some truly amazing reds and yellows this autumn.

“Get along to your local park, woods or visit the canal or river where it’s good flat walking and the reflections of autumnal splendour are dramatically mirrored in the water. It’s the perfect opportunity to take time out from the hustle and bustle of modern life and experience nature at its best.”

The Canal and River Trust is running an online competition, to find the best autumnal photographs of its canals and rivers. Winners will each receive a free copy of the new anniversary edition of ‘Narrow Boat’ by LTC Rolt, which led to the restoration of Britain’s canal system. The book features its own autumnal cover by canal artist Eric Gaskell.

To enter the competition, visit canalrivertrust.org.uk/autumn-competition.