AN AMBITIOUS £30 million scheme to restore the northern reaches of Lancaster Canal has edged a step closer to becoming reality.

Following an intensive period of dredging, contractors have cleared a mile of the canal that has not been navigable for the first time in more than 30 years.

The mile-long stretch will be officially opened next week and will feature a voyage by the Lancaster Canal Trust's Waterwitch narrowboat.

The 14 mile stretch between Tewitfield, near Carnforth, and Kendal, was severed in three places by the construction of the M6 but a feasibility study revealed that thes eobstances could be overcome.

Once completed the picturesque stretch of canal will provide commercial and leisure boat users with the opportunity to access the Lake District and, with a multi-million pound connection at Preston nearly complete, the Lancaster Canal will become the gateway to the Lakes for boaters from across the country - generating tourist revenue estimated at £14 million plus around 2,000 jobs.

Claire Chapman of British Waterways said: "There is such a huge amount of public interest over the restoration of the canal and it's going to have a really positive impact on people's lives in this area.

The dredging was carried out by Blue Boar contractors and demonstrates the committee of the Northern Reaches Restoration Group to re-open the entire 14 miles of the canal.

To mark the work The Lancaster Canal Trust will be operating the Waterwicth narrowboat on the canal from May 5 this year.

A registered charity, the group of volunteers will be taking out visitors on the narrowboat on Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays until the end of September free of charge.

The restoration is due for completion in 2008.