Volunteers fighting to restore a Wiltshire canal are celebrating after water bosses decided to back their ambitious project.

The former Wilts and Berks Canal has beaten competition from over 100 projects nationwide and been picked to appear on a British Waterways shortlist of 21 to receive backing and support.

Campaigners hope to recreate the canal, which once linked the Kennet and Avon at Melksham to the Thames at Oxford via Chippenham and Swindon, for use by narrowboats, walkers, anglers, cyclists and wildlife.

Other benefits include the creation of new tourism businesses and providing relief to the busy Kennet and Avon Canal.

Although the water firm says it is unlikely the whole canal would be open until 2025 the project would help further agricultural diversification and support the market towns and villages along the route.

Ken Oliver, chairman of the Wilts and Berks Canal Trust, said: "We are thrilled the hard work and dedication of our members is finally allowing this exciting scheme to progress to the next stage."

Colin Fletcher, chairman of the Melksham, Chippenham and Calne branch of the Wilts and Berks Canal Trust, said: "A minority of people have sometimes suggested we were clinging to a dream, but this official support from British Waterways will surely stifle those critics."

The trust is now working with the county and district councils to turn its plans into reality. Active restoration projects are already underway at Forest Lock, near Melksham, and Pewsham Locks, near Chippenham.