The Montgomery Canal was a scene of collective celebration as the reinstatmenet of the Schoolhouse Bridge was finally marked on June 28.

Mrs Anna Turner, Lord Lieutenant of Shropshire, had the honour of revealing the commemoratory plaque signifying the completion of the project.

Among those attending the event were the likes of the High Sheriff of Shropshire, Brian Welti; leader of Shropshire Council, Lezley Picton; senior representatives from the Canal & River Trust; as well as a director from Shrewsbury contractors Beaver Bridges, who are constructors of the new bridge.

Special invitees also included Mike Wills, the national chairman of the Inland Waterways Association, and trustees of Shropshire charity, The Walker Trust, both of who were instrumental contributors to the project.

John Dodwell, chairman of the Montgomery Canal Partnership, addressed the gathering.

The plaque marks the completion of the bridge    (Image: Montgomery Waterway Restoration Trust)

He thanked the organisations that had donated money towards the project.

Mr Dodwell also said: "Volunteers led by Chris Bushnell did a lot of the initial works, including building a temporary diver-sionary route for use during the main works.

"Volunteers supervised the diversion of a water main.

"And the volunteers have done a great deal of the tidying up works and will be installing steps from the towpath to the road."

After his speech, Mr Dodwell invited the Lord Lieutenant to unveil the Commemorative Plaque.

The proceedings were rounded off by Ms Turner who said: "You have done an incredible job.

"Our future generations are going to benefit from everything you have done.

"You must be very, very proud of yourselves."

Mr Dodwell highlighted the tireless efforts of some of the volunteers: Michael Limbrey, a retired solicitor; Phil Parker, a retired civil engineer who oversaw the project; and Roger Bravey, also a civil engineer.

While the Schoolhouse Bridge project is a success story, there is still work to be done.

The Montgomery Canal Partnership revealed more vigorous efforts to restore what’s been termed as "the Shropshire Gap," – a two-mile stretch that still lays dry.

Mr Dodwell also launched a fresh public appeal for £250,000, but he did add that they are more than half way there already.

Michael Limbrey, Chairman of the Restore the Montgomery Canal! said: "This was another great day for the Montgomery Canal, a celebration of many years of effort.

"While the new bridge removes the last highway blockage in Shropshire, in Powys engineers are working on plans for new bridges as part of substantial investment under the UK Government Levelling-Up grant.

"Plans for the Welsh section also include new nature reserves to safeguard the canal’s valued flora and fauna to match the reserves in Shropshire.

"All this is part of a vision of a revived canal which values its built and natural heritage and offers amenity, well-being and business and employment opportunities to its local communities and visitors."

You can donate to the project by visiting https://localgiving.org/charity/restorethemontgomerycanal/.