Volunteers for a canal charity were recognised for putting in almost 12,000 hours of work last year.

The Melksham, Chippenham & Calne branch of the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust were presented with the annual Tony Davy award.

This award is given by the trust, to honour the branch whose volunteers donated the most hours in a year.

Last year saw several significant achievements by local volunteers working in partnership with the Trust.

The canal between Chippenham and Lacock was restored from Pewsham Locks to the edge of Reybridge, allowing boats to pass under Double Bridge for the first time in more than a century.

Branch chairman Dave Maloney said: “It was an honour to accept the award on behalf of our volunteers, and I would like to thank them for their ongoing dedication and commitment, they’re amazing.

“Every hour of support is sincerely appreciated and takes us another step towards achieving our goal of a fully restored canal.”

“We hope this latest award will encourage more people to join our campaign to bring this beautiful canal back to life."