A major step in reopening the Montgomery Canal has been made by volunteers.

Members of the Shropshire Union Canal Society are feverishly working in the cold temperatures to restore a section of canal between Redwith Bridge near Llynclys, and Crickheath Bridge, near Pant.

The most recent work has been on a 750-metre section between Pryces Bridge and Crickheath Bridge.

On completion of the project in 2020, boats will be able to travel a further two-miles from the winding hole at Gronwen and turn around at Crickheath. It will also advance navigation closer to Llanymynech.

Fred Barrett, publicity officer for the Shropshire Union Canal Society, said: "A section of 80 metres next to Pryces Bridge has been re-shaped, lined, block paved, and was water tested in January 2018.

"In January and February, Shropshire Union Canal volunteers cleared a very large area around Crickheath wharf and winding hole. This involved cutting down hundreds of small trees, saplings and brambles, that had grown all over the site and bed of the channel.

"The work to construct piling and liner in the winding hole and approaches at Crickheath, will be undertaken by Canal and River Trust contractors, who will begin this phase, this spring.

"Shropshire Union Canal Society volunteers will begin another 130 meters of shaping and lining at the Prices Bridge end of the project in March, so there will be a vast change to the appearance of this section of canal during the year."