Five Rise Locks is the first site in Yorkshire to be recognised as one of the most significant locations in the country’s transport heritage.

The Grade 1 listed structure in Bingley – the only one on the Leeds Liverpool Canal – has been awarded a Red Wheel plaque by the Transport Trust.

It was officially presented yesterday by the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Peter Hill, who unveiled the plaque on the old lock keeper’s hut.

It reads “Bingley Five Rise. Opened in 1774 to raise the Leeds Liverpool canal 18 metres up the Aire Valley. This is the steepest lock staircase in Britain.”

Peter Stone, of the Transport Trust, said Five Rise was one of the most important industrial heritage sites in the country.

The aim was to enable more people to enjoy their ancestors’ achievements.

Judy Jones, British Waterways North heritage advisor, said: “Bingley Five Rise Locks are a major achievement of civil engineering and an iconic site even after all these years.

“We’ve worked closely with the Leeds & Liverpool Canal Society so special thanks goes to them also.

“The first boats went through the locks during the opening ceremony in 1774 when thousands gathered to watch the first boats make the 60-foot descent and it’s great that thousands still use these locks.”

More than 200 years on, it is still in daily use providing access to 16 miles of lock-free cruising, she said.