Hardworking canal volunteers have been awarded for their commitment for the fourth year in a row.

The Melksham, Chippenham and Calne branch of the Wilts and Berks Canal Trust has won the annual Tony Davy Award, which goes to the branch whose volunteers who have donated the highest number of hours in the previous year.

Volunteers gave 6,594 hours, with an estimated value of £95,635 when applying for matched funding, and earned the engraved crystal trophy named after the charity’s first chairman.

Branch chairman Derek Flexer said: “This award is a tribute to the dedication and commitment of so many people who offer so much of their own time on a regular basis, and we’re particularly pleased to have added several hundred more hours compared to the year before.

“It demonstrates the increasing amount of activity taking place and the growing level of support.”

Volunteers are restoring the canal in the countryside between Melksham and Chippenham, maintaining the towpath and the rewatered sections while clearing some of the lock chambers prior to the next stage of reconstruction.

Working parties have begun a three-year plan to open the towpath and clear vegetation from the canal at the A4 near Pewsham as well as clearing the area around Chaveywell Bridge in Calne.

Other volunteers have been busy organising quiz nights, contributing to grant and planning applications, or arranging talks to groups.

Mr Flexer said: “We’re fortunate to have so many opportunities for people of all ages to get involved with our campaign, and we hope this latest award will encourage even more interest in what we’re trying to achieve.

“Volunteering is a great way to meet people and learn skills while making a lasting contribution to the restoration of our local heritage.”

The trust is aiming to restore the waterway from the Kennet & Avon Canal near Melksham to the Thames & Severn Canal near Cricklade and the River Thames near Abingdon, connecting Chippenham, Calne, Royal Wootton Bassett and Swindon.