THE Prince of Wales paid tribute to the volunteers whose enthusiasm and dedication led to the saving of the Kennet and Avon Canal when he visited the Caen Hill flight of locks in Devizes on Friday.

And he met two Swindon canal boaters when he boarded their narrowboat.

The Prince was in the area to help celebrate the renovation of the canal, which was in such a dangerous condition in the 1950s it was threatened with closure.

Its entire 87-mile length from Bristol to Reading is now navigable.

A successful bid for Heritage Lottery funding in 1996 netted a grant of £25 million towards the £29m cost of the work, completed in December last year.

The Prince boarded the Primrose, owned by Jane and Steve Clements of Swindon.

After unveiling a plaque to commemorate his visit, he told the crowds: "I congratulate all those who were responsible for bringing this wonderful canal back to life again. It is a great example of what can be done with enthusiasm, commitment and dedication.

"Much has been achieved since the Queen officially reopened it to navigation in 1990."