Canal invite for families

Families can embrace the great outdoors this Sunday in a rare canalside walk in Lichfield.

It is hoped thousands of people will flock to the city to enjoy a glimpse of part of a Staffordshire canal which is usually closed to the public.

The Lichfield and Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust Limited has organised the walk following the success of its last public walk five years ago, which attracted 2,000 people.

The walk is to be held on a section of Lichfield canal which crosses private land after a deal was struck with landowners for one day only.

The four-mile walk starts at Huddlesford Junction and ends at Fosseway Lane in Lichfield, and walkers can take part any time from 10am to 4.30pm.

Not only can walkers enjoy the fresh air, they will also be able to see the work being done as part of the Trust's restoration project, such as the newly-built canal culvert under Birmingham Road.

There will also be displays at the Trust's Tamworth Road site, along with goods for sale and refreshments.

To ensure walkers can get back to their cars, three mini-buses have been laid on and will be running a shuttle service from Fosseway Lane throughout the day.

Bob Williams, from the Trust, said: "We have had lots of enquiries from all sorts of places in the run-up to Sunday. If the weather holds up we are hoping for a substantial turn out."

Route Guides will be available on the day for just £2, and will describe many points of interest along the way. For details ring Mr Williams on 01543 671427.