Volunteers are ensuring that Pocklington Canal will look its best as it prepares to celebrate its 200th birthday.

Conservationists and waterway supporters want to highlight every aspect of the 9.5 mile canal from Canal Head near Pocklington to the River Derwent in a series of events throughout spring and summer.

Lizzie Dealey, Pocklington Canal project officer at Canal & River Trust, said: “Pocklington Canal is special for its heritage, wildlife, structural features and the story behind its restoration. It is an important and much-loved community space, and we’re looking forward to celebrating its 200th birthday.

“It may only be a few miles long but the Pocklington Canal has a lot to offer for people and wildlife so we encourage everyone to come along and get involved in the events and activities.”

To prepare for the 200th year, staff and volunteers from Canal & River Trust and Pocklington Canal Amenity Society (PCAS) with well-wishers have completed repairs to Church Bridge and Thornton Lock . The society is working on Walbut Lock and many overgrown trees and bushes along the canal towpath have been cut back.

The two organisations are jointly responsible for the waterway.

Events planned include the Bicentenary Festival and Boat Rally on July 28 and 29, an oral history workshop on March 13, Easter activities on April 1 and 2 including trips on the passenger boat New Horizons and nest-building, archaeological activities on April 22 and in July and a heritage open day on May 20.

There will be wildlife sessions between May and September including identifying pondlife, animals and plants along the canal and a nature open day on June 24 with bird box building and kayaking.