A historic canal lock near Lechlade, hidden for over 100 years, will be open to the public today.

The lock has been restored by the Waterway Recovery Group over the last few years and is now finished, apart from the gates.

Cotswold Canals Trust volunteers have also cleared the quarter-mile of dry canal channel above the lock.

Visitors will be able to board the trust's trip boat Inglesham from the Riverside Car Park in Lechlade at a cost of £5.

Or they can make their way on foot via the riverside and bridge along a one-mile route.

The lock dates back to 1789 and was the first on the Thames & Severn Canal after leaving the River Thames.

Swindon Advertiser: Visit beautifully restored canal landmark near Lechlade this weekend

It had been derelict since the 1920s and this weekend is a unique opportunity to visit because it is normally not accessible to the public.

“This is a big moment in our history,” said trust chairman Jim White.

“It’s the first opportunity to access the Cotswold Canals off the River Thames for over 100 years. Now that work on restoring the Western end of the canal is well underway, our focus now turns to the canal between the River Thames and the Cotswold Water Park. This open day is just the beginning.”

The event on July 23, starts at 10am and finishes at 4pm. Light refreshments and souvenir merchandise will be available.

Volunteers will be on hand to explain the history of the picturesque site and visitors are advised to turn up in sturdy footwear.

The location and nature of the site makes it inaccessible for those with mobility difficulties.