CAMPAIGNERS seeking to restore the northern reach of an historic South Lakeland waterway have proved they are prepared to get their hands dirty to make progress.

Lancaster Canal Trust and the North West Waterways Recovery Group braved freezing temperatures and fog to clear away scrub around Sellet Hall Bridge near Crooklands.

The aim is to find the original canal bed before excavation can begin.

Over the next five or six years, a team of volunteers will tackle jobs such as restoring the water level where the canal is still navigable and digging out filled-in stretches.