A £2.2 million project to restore a 19th century aqueduct, which suffered catastrophic damage caused by storms, has finally been completed after three years.

Stainton Aqueduct in South Cumbria has been successfully restored by the Canal & River Trust, after it was damaged in December 2015 by storms Desmond and Eva.

The destructive storms resulted in flood water washing away the upper towpath and apron of the structure, and causing part of the southern portal and wing walls to collapse.

Canal & River Trust project manager Graham Ramsden said: “It has been a real labour of love to ensure we preserved the aqueduct’s unique character while ensuring the structure was repaired to top 21st century civil engineering standards.”

To celebrate the charity has planned a virtual tour along the disused Northern Reaches of Lancaster Canal.

The online trip will take viewers on a four mile journey from Hincaster to Crooklands, providing insights into the canal’s history, wildlife, old working boats and structures.

The online interactive canal archive, along with the restoration of Stainton Aqueduct, was made possible with a grant of £1.5 million from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, delivered in partnership with the Lancaster Canal Regeneration Partnership, and supported by grants from the Rural Payments Agency, South Lakeland District Council, Cumbria County Council and Kendal Town Council.

Carrie House, Lancaster Canal Towpath Trail project officer, and Canal & River Trust heritage adviser Bill Froggatt led a major community project supporting the restoration.

“This restoration project has been about far more than just mending a historic stone structure,” said Ms House.

“With people currently restricted by the Coronavirus pandemic, we hope the online virtual tour will make it easy for everyone to explore the newly restored aqueduct and the wider legacy of this wonderful waterway, so rich in heritage and fantastic scenery.”