Justin Stubbs says organisations and individuals need to join up before the pollution and levels of rubbish get worse.

The scale of the task is going to be huge, but there is a desperate need for something to be done as the river pollution is just getting worse."

Last week Mr Stubbs rescued two swans from the river which runs by The Meadows. One had to be freed after getting tangled in some fishing tackle, and the other was an ill male who was either suffering from lead poisoning or from litter thrown in the water.

Mr Stubbs, 36, said the threat to wildlife was a major problem, which is why he wants to organise the clean-up operation as soon as possible.

He said: "I feel a day on and near the river with the town's Rivercare group, the Environment Agency, council, police and other volunteers could be extremely healthy for the river and the town.

"We need to look after the wildlife on and in the river, which includes kingfishers.

"They are particularly vulnerable to pollution."

Mr Stubbs said the swan, which has been nesting in the area for at least 10 years, was now recovering.

Stamford Rivercare Group, which looks after the river and raises awareness of it, is backing Mr Stubbs' plans for the clean-up.

Group member Rachel Huxley said part of the problem was people leaving litter on The Meadows. The rubbish is then blown into the river.

She said the group wanted to get involved and said: "We know that litter is a problem in the river.

"It would be great to sort the issue out by getting together with the RSPCA and other organisations."

The Environment Agency fully supports Mr Stubbs' operation too.

A spokesman said: "It is great if organisations and the community can get together to look after the river.

"We will work with the Rivercare group and help where we can."

South Kesteven District Council's waste and recycling service manager Pat Swinton said officers would visit the river and help try to resolve the problem as far as possible.

He said: "As a council we litter-pick on the riverbank and wherever possible use grabbers to collect the rubbish.

"We will send someone out to have a look at the river in Stamford to see whether more can be done in this area."

The council's interim head of environmental services, David Botwright, added: "I would be more than happy to meet the RSPCA to discuss the issues in this area further at a time that is mutually convenient."

Mr Stubbs, who kayaks along the River Welland between Stamford and Hudd's Mill, said the RSPCA had boats that he could use as part of the clean-up operation.

He said: "We could use these further downstream, and my kayak for the shallower areas."

Mr Stubbs used to live in Scotgate, Stamford, as a youngster and the river holds many special memories for him.

He said: "I'd love to start making something more of the river for the town.

"Twenty-five years ago my father John used to run the boats that could be hired at the back of the swimming pool which is now a car park. It was great.

"Back then the river was so much cleaner."

Mr Stubbs added: "The Meadows are regularly cleaned up and the paths and roads are too – now let's finish the job with the river."