WATERWAYS enthusiasts have been busy cutting back dense ivy from an historic bridge on the Lancaster Canal's Northern Reaches.

Members of the Owd Lanky Boaters Group, formed by heating engineer Colin Ogden, set to work at Natland Hall Bridge on the filled-in section of canal outside Kendal.

Dense masses of ivy have been cut away and the roots treated, with Ron Martland, of Haydock, 'on sentry duty' to make sure towpath walkers were escorted safely past.

The group said many people stopped to chat and showed 'acute interest' in the restoration during the first day of work, on January 7. Work is to resume this Saturday, January 21.

Mr Ogden, of Elswick, near Garstang, said the hope is to point the bridge's stonework to heritage standards with lime mortar, as taught by his father, who was a master stonemason. Arches are to be painted and two new number 182 plaques installed.

Mr Ogden said bats roosting beneath Natland Hall Bridge would not be disturbed.

Membership of the Owd Lanky Boaters Group on Facebook has now topped 800.