RESTORATION work on the last remaining historic walls at Brimscombe Port is complete.

Teams of volunteers from across the community, who spent nearly a year repairing the 200-year-old Cotswold stone walls, celebrated their achievement this week.

The project won an £80,000 grant from ITV’s People’s Millions Lottery programme in November 2007, after it was voted for by thousands of residents.

Kim Chester, of the Waterways Trust charity, which managed the project, said: "The appearance of the walls has been transformed beyond recognition.

"The walls are almost the only visible remains of Brimscombe Port so securing their future is a great step for heritage in the area.

"Restoration has also enhanced a beautiful section of the River Frome with a backdrop of the historic Bourne Mill and Great Western Railway viaduct.

"Our thanks are due to the volunteers, who have done a fantastic job – but above all, we would like to thank the thousands of local people who took the trouble to vote."

The walls, which had been neglected since the Thames and Severn Canal closed in 1933, were covered in dense vegetation with several trees growing on top.

Restoration work, led by the Waterways Trust and British Waterways, started last spring.

Among the volunteers were residents, towpath users and pupils from Brimscombe Primary School.

There were also groups from the Cotswold Canals Trust, the Nelson Trust and Leyhill Open Prison.

John Hudson, chairman of Stroud District Council, cut a ribbon at an official celebration on Thursday, January 22.