Mystery as part of boat is found

Drainage work at Staffordshire attraction Chasewater has uncovered a mystery in the shape of vintage powerboat parts.

The reservoir is currently being emptied in preparation for a multi-million pound project to repair the crumbling earthworks dam, due to begin later this summer.

The project has already led to the discovery of a host of historical artefacts, including unexploded Second World War bombs and an old wooden rowing dinghy.

Now rangers have pulled the canopy of a vintage powerboat from the water - but they have been left puzzled as to its origin.

Although jetskiing was a regular fixture at the reservoir before drainage work began, powerboat racing has been banned for many years.

The rangers plan to consult the local powerboat club to see if they can help provide information on the find.

Lichfield District Council spokeswoman Esther Epstein said: "Chasewater Country Park rangers have found the top canopy of a power boat on the reservoir bed.

"However, they don't know where it has come from, and so they will be asking the powerboat club if they know anything about it."

Work on the dam is due to be completed later this year and it will take around three years for water levels in the reservoir to return to normal.

Chasewater was created as a canal feeder reservoir in the 18th century and remains the largest in use in the region today. It attracts over 150,000 visitors each year.