Volunteers help to restore canal

The first stretch of the canal was opened in 1812

Volunteers are spending two weeks on the Grand Western Canal in Devon as part of a major restoration project.

Enthusiasts from the Waterway Recovery Group (WRG) have been working on the restoration of Whipcott Wharf and rebuilding lime kilns near Burlescombe.

The volunteers, aged between 17 and 60-years-old, came from as far afield as France and Australia.

Although parts are still in use, the canal was officially closed to navigation in 1962.

Construction work began on the canal in 1809 and the first 11-mile stretch was opened three years later in 1812.

The Grand Western Canal Trust had hoped to re-open the canal between Tiverton and Taunton, but their plans were dashed last year when Somerset County Council's waterways advisory committee said the £62m needed for the project was not justified.

The WRG was formed in 1970 and helps local canal groups and trusts with restoration schemes, proving equipment, expertise, publicity and labour.