ILKLEY MP John Grogan has shown his support for a charity's campaign to protect rivers.

He pledged his backing at a WWF event in Westminster, when a 'river' exhibit was created in the Upper Waiting Hall.

The charity was highlighting issues facing the nation's waterways.

It says 80 per cent of rivers in England and Wales are unhealthy, with up to 40 per cent polluted with sewage, which it claims is decimating wildlife.

Campaign manager, Barbara Cornejo Sesnic, said: "The wildlife that lives in our rivers is in crisis.

"According to last year's Living Planet report, populations of river and other freshwater wildlife have declined by 81 per cent since 1970 – faster than any other species group on the planet.

"And 13 per cent of freshwater species are threatened with extinction in the UK.

"Despite improvements over recent decades, four out of five rivers in England and Wales are still failing to reach the required health standards.

"This is a result of pollution from farms, sewage and unsustainable abstraction.

"We greatly appreciate the Houses of Parliament hosting us and for so many MPs attending."