Vital work carried out on Tees Barrage

A dry dock is being created in each of the four huge 50 tonne 'fish belly' gates. Credit: ITV News Tyne Tees

Vital maintenance work is being carried out on the Tees Barrage.

A dry dock is being created in each of the four huge 50 tonne 'fish belly' gates, which hold back sea and river water, so the area can be cleaned and checked.

It's 20 years since the barrage at Stockton opened. It maintains a constant water level on the River Tees.

Checks take place every year to make sure the gates are in a good state of repair and working properly.

Contractors are working 40 feet down in the well of each gate. Credit: ITV News Tyne Tees

Contractors are working 40 feet down in the well of each gate as part of a four week project which costs around £100,000.

The Canal and River Trust now manages the barrage.

River Master, Stuart McKenzie, said maintenance is important:

The Trust is offering the public a chance to see behind the scenes at the barrage, as well as the work going on in the gate wells during an open day on the 22nd August.