ROADSIDE drains received a makeover this week as plaques were installed to remind people of the dangers of polluting nearby rivers.

Action for the River Kennet (ARK) campaigned to place signs with the words 'rainwater only' after nearly 50 swans were rescued from a 5k stretch of the River Kennet.

Drains in Newbury were the first to receive the new badges, but ARK volunteers intend to place more plaques to persuade people not to dump harmful substances down the drains.

Anna Forbes, ARK project officer, said: "Last Thursday, we ran a very successful awareness campaign in Newbury to highlight that what goes down a storm drain leads directly into the River Lambourn.

"Chemicals, oil and other substances, even tiny amounts put down the drains can kill fish and other wildlife and it can also be dangerous for humans and domestic pets too.

"The volunteers have done an amazing job here, getting the message that only rainwater should go down the drain, out into the community."

A team of volunteers spent Thursday (March 30) fixing the 'Yellow Fish' plaques to drains and handing out leaflets to encourage people to be more responsible.

The River Lambourn is home to iconic wildlife and is a site of special scientific interest.

The ARK team covered a large area north of the Lambourn, fixing 250 Yellow Fish drain markers and distributing hundreds of informative leaflets.

It is hoped these signs will raise awareness of the issues and discourage people from pouring anything other than rainwater down the grates.