Hardworking volunteers who give up their time to help restore a disused canal have won an award for their efforts.

The Melksham, Chippenham and Calne branch of the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust won an award from the trust for providing the biggest boost to the restoration campaign.

The Tony Davy Award is a new annual accolade named after the trust’s first chairman.

Over the past year, volunteers from the branch have given more than 7,000 hours of free labour during 116 work parties, equivalent to a cost of almost £100,000 if paid contractors had been used instead.

Rob Jones, the branch’s chairman, said he was delighted by the accolade.

He said: “We are thrilled to be the first recipients of such a prestigious award, which recognises the amazing achievements of our volunteers.

“They work tirelessly throughout the whole year, whatever the weather, because they all recognise the benefits of a restored canal – a new wildlife corridor linking our towns and providing increased tourism and employment.

“They have helped to rebuild bridges, culverts, spillweirs and towpaths, as well as installing birdboxes, batboxes, benches and information boards, and supporting youth groups in planting new trees.

“They have also removed rubbish, maintained rights of way and opened up the countryside to walkers and cyclists who are keen to make the most of their local environment. Thanks to their outstanding dedication and commitment, residents have realised that the Wilts & Berks can – and will – be restored.

“We hope this new award will encourage even more people to make a New Year’s resolution to join our campaign.”

The biggest work parties took place at Pewsham Locks, near Lacock, which were refilled with water and officially opened by Duncan Hames MP last year.

The charity’s ultimate aim is to restore the canal from the Kennet and Avon near Melksham to the Thames & Severn Canal near Cricklade and the River Thames near Abingdon, linking up Chippenham, Calne, Wootton Bassett and Swindon.

For more information, visit www.melkshamwaterway.org.uk