David Bosworth

A thick green mat of river weed is choking up the main waterway though Boston.

The long warm summer has shrunk water levels and reduced the flow of currents, providing ideal growing conditions for weed on the River Witham, which is overgrown with duck weed and a plant called ‘azolla’.

Richard Bennett from the Canal and River Trust told BBC Look North: “We’re spending £80,000 this year on big boats, four days a week, in order to clear passage through.

“The size of the Witham and the scale of the problem means we’re just overwhelmed”.

The summer has caused water levels to fall and currents too slow – ideal conditions for river weed. | Screenshot: BBC Look North/BBC News Hub

Plane enthusiasts have come from as far-flung reaches as Australia and China to see the international flights at RAF Waddington on Exercise Cobra Warrior.

Tornados from Germany and Typhoons from Italy are among the planes whipping up fervour amongst the fanatics, who, with cameras, are waiting for the perfect shot.

Over a three week period they will see 75 aircraft at a time simulate attacking and defending targets, with the war in Ukraine adding a mood of urgency to the manoeuvres.

Group Captain Andrew Burton told BBC Look North: “The mood amongst the pilots and aircrew is as it ever was – one of steely determination – we’re ready, we’re here and we’re willing to do whatever we are called to do.”

Group Captain Andrew Burton said Exercise Cobra Warrior is a “team effort”. | Screenshot: BBC Look North/BBC News Hub

The plane spotters were appreciated by the international array of pilots, some who weren’t expecting the attention. | Screenshots: BBC Look North/BBC News Hub