RIVERS and canals in the North West are cleaner than they have been since before the Industrial Revolution, according to a new survey.

The report drawn up by the Environment Agency shows that nearly 90 per cent of the North West's rivers and canals by length have been classified in "good" or "fair" condition.

This compares well to the national figure of 92 per cent, and represents a significant improvement in quality compared with 1990, the year after water privatisation and the first year in which full independent quality assessment was carried out.

Since 1990 half the rivers and canals in the North West have improved in quality by one grade or more.

Environment Minister, Michael Meacher, said: "The billions being invested in cleaning up our rivers are really bearing fruit.

"Clean rivers are not only a vital source of water for drinking and industry, they also support a wide variety of wildlife and are enjoyed by millions for recreation. That is why river quality is one of the Government's 15 headline indicators, measuring how much our quality of life is improving."