THE Kennet & Avon Canal which has undergone a major transformation over past decades has now been declared a Green Flag area for its entire 87 mile length.

The canal, which runs through many Wiltshire towns and villages such as Devizes, Trowbridge and Bradford on Avon, is the longest Green Flag destination ever awarded.

But only a couple of decades ago the canal, which connects the River Thames at Reading to Bath and the ports at Bristol, was derelict. Work on repairing it started in the 1960s and the Caen Hill Flight in Devizes was opened by the Queen in 1990.

Mark Evans, waterway manager for the Trust, said: “We’re delighted that the entire stretch of the Kennet & Avon Canal from Reading to Bath has been awarded with a Green Flag.

“The canal is a wonderful outdoor green space which is ideal for families to enjoy a lovely day out in the countryside. Winning this award is testament to the huge amount of work that everyone at the Trust puts into looking after the canal. As a charity, we’re grateful to all the people who volunteer to help us as well as those who donate money to help look after the waterway.”

To find out more about the Canal & River Trust including how you can volunteer or donate money to support our work visit www.canalrivertrust.org.uk