A Wiltshire craftsman who has carved a stone plaque to mark the completion of important canal restoration work is carrying on a family tradition.

The plaque stonemason John Lloyd has carved will soon be on show at the Bruce Tunnel on the Kennet and Avon Canal near Great Bedwyn.

It will be put up alongside an original plaque carved 193 years by his great, great, great, great, great grandfather.

That plaque, by Benjamin Lloyd, who was Master Mason to the Kennet and Avon Canal, was commissioned to mark the completion of the canal back in 1810.

Now, as part of events celebrating the completion of 50 years of restoration on the canal, British Waterways has decided to put up the new plaque, and this will be done during an officially ceremony tomorrow.

Lloyd said: "Carving the plaque has been local and family history in the making since it was my forefather who made the first one. I'm delighted that we continue to be of service in the upkeep of this prominent part of our national heritage."

The original plaque has suffered weathering and is now virtually illegible.

The slightly smaller new plaque, which will be put up at eye level, will be brought to Bruce Tunnel by a British Waterways crane barge.

Walkers on the towpath will be able to read the original wording inscribed on the new plaque. The words are:

"The Kennet and Avon Canal Company inscribe this tunnel with the name Bruce, in testimony of their gratitude for the uniform and effectual support of The Right Honourable Thomas Bruce, Earl of Aylesbury, and Charles, Lord Bruce, his son, through the whole progress of this great National Work by which a direct communication by Water was opened between the cities of London and Bristol. Anno Domini 1810."