TO MARK this week's bicentenary of the Lancaster Canal, villagers are preparing to celebrate 200 years of the “black and white canal”.

The waterway’s nickname derives from coal and limestone, the principal cargoes transported north and south in its heyday.

The people of Holme will be toasting the canal’s heritage next week at their Canal 200 festival this Saturday and Sunday, June 22 and 23.

Among the events planned is a Sunday afternoon four-mile walk along the towpath, with people invited to dress in black and white, as extravagantly as they like. A prize will be awarded for the best black and white hat.

People are invited to meet at the Longlands Hotel at Tewitfield for the walk to Holme, which departs at 1.30pm.

Walkers can join the route at any stage if they prefer a shorter distance.

Sunday morning will see a canoe time trial on the canal for teams of two paddlers between bridges 150 and 151 - School Bridge and Warehouse Bridge.

Throughout the weekend Holme Parish Hall will be hosting a display of village photographs and artwork, including pictures of the canal, from 10am to 4pm each day.

Refreshments will be served and entry is free.

Drawing the celebrations to a close will be a barbecue at The Smith pub from 4pm to 7pm; everyone welcome.