Volunteer groups in west and north Wiltshire have joined forces to ensure the restoration of a former waterway.

Members of the newly-formed Melksham, Chippenham and Calne branch of the Wilts and Berks Canal Trust have agreed to concentrate their efforts to help protect, conserve and improve their section of the canal.

Colin Fletcher, chairman of the local branch and one of the charity's directors said: "The consolidation of the separate groups will enable us to work much more efficiently, when before we may have had different people working on the same sites."

The enlarged branch hopes to focus some of its attention on the restored section of the canal, near Calne town centre, which is already popular with walkers and cyclists. Volunteers will also continue maintenance work between Lacock and Melksham.

The trust's ultimate aim is to restore the canal, as a continous navigable waterway linking the Kennet and Avon Canal near Melksham, the River Thames near Abingdon and the Thames and Severn Canal near Cricklade.

Mr Fletcher said: "We must not rest on our laurels, but must continue to push even harder to attract more people to our cause."