VISITORS to Melksham can follow the trail of the town's lost waterway. A new guide has been produced by the Melksham branch of the Wilts and Berks Canal Trust to steer people along the route the canal used to take through the town.

Chairman Colin Fletcher said: "Much of the line of the canal through Melksham has been lost under buildings, but some of it is still visible today in the form of bridge remains, embankments, towpaths, hedgerows and ditches.

"This guide allows people to take a step back in time and imagine how the town may have looked more than a century ago."

The walk begins opposite the West End Inn in Semington Road, where it starts to follow along the line of the old towpath, passing many of the town's historic sites.

Mr Fletcher said: "With the advent of warmer weather, the walk is a great way to enjoy some gentle exercise while learning more about local history."

The trust hopes to encourage support for the ongoing restoration of the canal from the Kennet and Avon near Melksham to the River Thames near Abingdon and the Severn Canal near Cricklade.

Copies of the guide are available from tourist information centres, libraries and businesses in the town.

For further information about the leaflet or the Melksham branch of the trust call Colin Fletcher on (01225) 828254.