One of the River Ouse's most important locks is to be returned almost to new, courtesy of its mining neighbours.

Work has started at Naburn Locks and Weir, near York, to strengthen it and ensure it works well into the future.

And the £300,000 bill is being paid by RJB Mining, which operate Selby mines.

The company has joined forces with British Waterways to carry out three months of work designed to refurbish and strengthen the existing locks and weir.

And it is hoped that the work will return the water features virtually to the day they were built.

Spokesman for British Waterways, Guy Lawson, said: "Nobody is going to see the lock and think it looks brand-spanking new, but this work will make sure that it operates as though it is.

"Naburn Locks and Weir have been there for years now, and they are particularly important because they are at the end of the tide. The fact that we have got funding to carry out this renewal is excellent news."

The locks and weir, which are Grade II listed, received funding from RJB Mining because they were allowed to mine land surrounding it.

"Because they can work the protected area around these features RJB Mining agreed to pay for the refurbishment work, and they've also agreed to cover costs for any subsidence that the mining might cause, although there shouldn't be any," said Mr Lawson.

"We are particularly happy about this because it means RJB Mining are paying for us to get a spanking new lock. It probably won't look any different, but it will certainly be strengthened which means it will be working for many years to come."

The work is not expected to cause any disruption to navigation on the river.

Peter Wade, waterway manager for British Waterways, said: "The work taking place will play a vital role in ensuring that Naburn Locks and Weir can be safely enjoyed by future generations."

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