The remains of a 'ghost boat' were unearthed during a recent work event held by the Shropshire Union Canal Society.

From July 26 to 28, volunteers and contractors worked together to make substantial progress on the Canal Society's ongoing project at Crickheath Wharf, despite previous delays caused by wet winter conditions and high ground water levels.

A contractor named George was brought in at the start of the week to profile the canal channel of Phase 1A at the site's north end.

The volunteers carried on with the profile work throughout the work party, achieving significant progress.

The improvements were so successful that they're now ahead of their schedule.

One notable bit of work during the event was the start of the upgrade of the towpath in the area.

In the previous year, the Oswestry Rural Parish Council had given them a grant to transform the muddy slip and trip hazard of the towpath into a hard surface.

Crickheath wharf before and after  (Image: SUCS)

The recent work party constructed a total of 32 metres of towpath.

This upgrade minimizes the risk of damaging the path during future work as heavy plant operations in most of the area have finished.

Phase 1B also saw massive progress.

The towpath construction was completed, a temporary dam was set up at the north end of the section, and the lining and blocking were completed by the end of Saturday.

The find that drew most interest, however, was the remains of a boat, known as a 'ghost boat'.

Local resident Roy explained that the boat was allegedly haunted after its owner was killed by a guillotine lock.

As a result, no one else wished to operate the boat, and it was ultimately abandoned near Crickheath Wharf's southern end.