New lock gates fitted at Bingley's 'wonder of the waterways' five rise locks
Engineers have weathered the recent storms to replace one of Britain's tallest set of lock gates in West Yorkshire.
Repairs to the UK's steepest lock flight on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal in Bingley have taken place despite the region being hit by three storms in a week.
The Grade 1 listed Five Rise Locks are a world-famous landmark and the restoration is part of the Canal and River Trust's £55 million winter project.
Bingley Five Rise Locks, which were completed in 1774, lift boats around 18 metres (60 feet), with the five locks operating as a "staircase" flight - with the lower gate of one lock forming the upper gate of the next.
Each gate is seven metres tall and weighs about six tonnes.
The new lock gates have been hand-crafted using traditional methods in the trust's workshops at Stanley Ferry, near Wakefield.
The trust said a single lock gate can take up to 20 days to make and has a working life of around 25 years.
In order to be watertight they need to be built very precisely, fitting snugly to the masonry of the 200-year-old lock walls.
The charity said it has been working with specialist waterways contractor Rothen Group, which has provided a 40-tonne crane boat to carry out the heavy lifting of the complex lock gate replacement from the water.
Sean McGinley, Yorkshire & North East regional director for the Canal & River Trust, said: "Constructed over two centuries ago, Bingley Five Rise is one of the wonders of the waterways.
"Each year thousands of boaters and towpath users come here to enjoy spending time on the canal.
"Research proves people feel happier and healthier by water, and more people than ever before are discovering canals and rivers as perfect spots for local recreation and exercise.
"That's why it's important we stay on top of regular maintenance and carry out this work in the winter months to try to minimise inconvenience.
"We want as many people as possible to enjoy the benefits of this wonderful location."