Historic lock gates on a canal are being replaced by British Waterways during an ongoing four-week project.

Carpenters, a mason and a crane are being used to replace the Grade II listed lock gates on the Leeds-Liverpool Canal at Bank Newton, near Gargrave.

Extensive work started last week at Lock 37, known as Carpenters Lock, to relieve leakage and improve water control.

British Waterways is replacing both the top and bottom lock gates as part of its winter stoppage programme. The gates were last replaced 25 years ago.

This week the old gates are removed and their replacements - made at British Waterways' Stanley Ferry workshop - being lifted into place.

The old oak gates will be used as firewood by the lock keeper while the old balance beams will be reused at another site.

Until the work is completed, the towpath will be closed from the top of the Bank Newton flight, but walkers can use the road from bridge 165 at the top of the flight to Ivy End, adjacent to Lock 37.

Paul House, project team leader for British Waterways, said the eight-man team had been slowed down by last week's blustery weather.

Work is expected to continue until Friday, February 2.