THIEVES have caused a major setback to volunteers restoring a stretch of canal, says the Lancaster Canal Trust.

Chairman Robin Yates said the theft of a petrol generator and pump from a secure trailer at the worksite at Stainton had come as "a blow" to trust members.

Work parties of dedicated volunteers are re-lining the "First Furlong" between Stainton Crossing and Sellet Hall. Thousands of blocks are being hand-laid over a waterproof membrane so the stretch of canal on the Northern Reaches can be re-watered.

The aim had been to complete "the bulk of the work" before winter, said Mr Yates. But the extra work now involved in replacing the stolen equipment and having to move it off site to a secure location had put the target "in jeopardy".

"Clearly we cannot make the trailer secure enough to prevent determined thieves so we will have to take equipment off site each day," he said.

"Volunteers who already put in an enormous amount of time and effort will now have to spend time moving equipment on and off the site each day, eating into the working time."

The Lancaster Canal Trust is funded entirely by subscriptions and donations, and having to replace the "vital pieces of plant" had come as "a blow", said Mr Yates.

Project manager Peter Jones added: "We have to work to a tight budget and every penny counts."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Cumbria Police.

For more about the trust, or to help buy some of the 23,940 blocks - £1 each - needed for the First Furlong, visit www.lctrust.org.uk