Never-before seen images are revealed in a new book about a forgotten canal that once linked Chippenham and Calne.

Wilts and Berks Canal Revisited offers a glimpse into the history of the waterway, which was abandoned a century ago, with photographs of England’s bridge in the 1890s and Deep Cutting Bridge in the 1960s.

The 128-page paperback contains 180 images and chairman of the Melksham, Chippenham and Calne branch of the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust Rob Jones is delighted with the content.

He said: “We hope it will inspire even more people to learn about this formerly forgotten piece of local history, and the important part it played in the development of this town.

“Many residents probably live near or even on top of some of the remains, or travel over them. Most probably they do so without realising what lies a short distance beneath their feet.

“We hope this book will persuade them to pause and reflect on what has been lost, and perhaps inspire them to work with us to bring it back to life.”

There is a growing campaign to restore the link, particularly for its potential to encourage tourism. However, obstacles remain.

Mr Jones said: “The old line has been lost forever under housing and roads and would have to be replaced by a new route yet to be agreed, but residents can now see archive images of how it once looked.”

Wilts & Berks Canal Revisited, compiled by Doug Small, and published by The History Press Ltd, is available from bookshops or via www.thehistorypress.co.uk