by Katie Lamborn

Salmon could soon be swimming in the River Medway - if a UK-first £2 million project goes to plan.

The Environment Agency is working on a scheme to build passes for fish which will allow them to swim around structures such as locks and weirs.

The passes are also used by canoeists.

Ben Lord, a fisheries expert from the Environment Agency, said: "At the moment there are around 22 different species of freshwater fish that can be found between Maidstone and the top of the Medway.

"Bass and perch, are to name just two.

"But if all goes to plan we could soon be seeing eels, more sea trout and hopefully salmon."

He said salmon were a very good indicator of water quality, as they can only be seen in really clean waters which have high oxygen levels.

Porters Lock, downstream of Tonbridge, was the first joint purpose fish canoe pass in the UK.

Others built in the area since include Eldridges Lock and East Lock.

Work is continuing on Allington Lock in Maidstone.