An MP paid a special visit to a local society to acknowledge the work it has done to improve water quality in the area.

South Dorset MP Richard Drax visited the River Wey Society, at Meadows Mill House in Weymouth, to recognise the extensive work it has carried out since it first formed in 1994.

The society is made up of retired volunteers who work to protect the river’s environment, and act as a voice for residents in speaking to authorities and companies whose activities may be detrimental to the river.

Peter Tarrant, of the River Wey Society, said: “The visit was organised to demonstrate what good work has been carried out by the society since it was formed.

“This includes maintaining a good rapport with the Environment Agency, councils and other environment concerned bodies to maintain a high standard of the River Wey and the Wey Valley.”

The society’s chairman Bob Turner explained to Mr Drax how over the years, work has been done to improve water quality, control extraction and raise concerns over infrastructure, as well as flag up pollution incidents such as overloaded sewerage systems. The society has divided the river into five sections each under the eye of a river watch officer with local knowledge.

Sean Cooper, owner of Meadows Mill House, led a tour of the hydro scheme which provides electrical power and the heat pump installation which provides heating and hot water, making the property energy self-sufficient.

Mr Tarrant added: “More specifically this visit was to show how using the power of the river can, from an energy aspect, totally support the house, mill and adjoining cottage.

“We believe Richard Drax is very concerned about the environment and was really interested in what the River Wey Society has and still is achieving. He was very impressed with the two hydro power systems installed on the Wey generating green sustainable energy.”

Visit riverweysociety.co.uk