Plans to create a ‘floating ecosystem’ in the River Ouse have been approved with a requirement to keep it litter-free.

The plans approved by York Council are set to see the 16.45m by 2.34m pontoon-like structure installed by North Street Gardens.

St Nicks, the environmental charity behind the plans, stated native aquatic plants would help create a thriving habitat for wildlife and help improve water quality in the River Ouse.