INSPIRED schoolchildren have drifted back in time to create stunning murals which capture life on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal when it first opened.

In preparation for bicentennial celebrations next month which will mark the opening of England’s longest canal, pupils at Saltaire Primary School have been studying the history of the waterway which runs yards from their school on its way past Salts Mill.

And they have received expert help from Bradford Industrial Museum curator Liz McIvor, who advised them on all aspects of canal life 200 years ago.

Mrs McIvor said: “The Hirst Wood Regeneration Group came to see me about historical information panels which will be put up on the footpath at Hirst Wood Lock and mentioned that Saltaire Primary School was doing this project and so I came and talked to them about what it was really like. When they see canal boats going past now, they have all mod cons, lap tops and even Amazon collection points along the way.

“But when it opened it was all horse-drawn barges and families weren’t living on them at first.

“Bargees families initially lived in cottages along the canal and only the men would go off to travel up and down delivering coal, limestone or whatever the cargo happened to be.

“But competition from the new railways and improved roads meant families were then forced to live onboard as they could not afford to keep houses.”

Mrs McIvor was at the unveiling of the artwork, and praised the youngsters who have been guided by local artist Sharon Snaylam.

“It is really, really good. The kids have worked very hard and been inspired by what they have learned.”

Pauline Bradley-Sharp, secretary of the Hirst Wood Regeneration Group, which supported the project and works closely with the school, said: “The children have put a tremendous amount of research into the project to the point they are still talking about the lives and times of all those working people involved.

“Everyone is looking forward to the murals being on display to the public at Hirst Lock by Sunday, October 16 in time for the voyage of the Kennet barge from Leeds to Liverpool.”

Saltaire Primary School head teacher Sally Stoker said: “This is fantastic work - a really wonderful celebration. We don’t get asked to too many 200th birthday parties and we hope that this will be something the children will remember and treasure for the rest of their lives.”

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