NOT many people can say they have seen a lock from the depths of within, unless you were in Banbury this weekend.

Around ten mobile phones from days-gone-by, discarded pennies and even handcuffs were among the items found as Banbury Lock was drained.

A team from the Canal and River Trust set to work on repairing and cleaning up the gates of Banbury Lock and offered a view to nearly 1,500 passers-by.

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Canal and River Trust campaigns manager Claire Risino said: "On Saturday we had around 585 people come down and Sunday another 860, which was incredible.

"It is brilliant that so many people wanted to come along to look at the Banbury Lock. One lady even said she had come down to look at the brickwork which her grandad had helped repair after the bomb hit in 1940.

"We are really glad we can offer these open days to the people of Banbury to learn more about the canal."

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Throughout December the trust has been carrying out £16,000 emergency repairs to make the lock gates watertight - outside The Mill Arts Centre.

Over the weekend shoppers were given tours walking along the waterways and were able to see up close and personal the 200-year-old brickwork.

Canal historians were also on hand to talk about the Banbury Lock and its past including when it was hit during a bombing raid in September 1940.

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The trust also put on activities for children at The Mill Arts Centre.

Canal and River Trust region waterway manager Vicky Martin said: "Our open days are a fascinating showcase which give local people the chance to get a behind-the-scenes look at some amazing craftsmanship.

"To walk along the bed of a 237-year-old lock, see the waterways’ original 18th century design and understand the scale of the work we do to care for it, is a real privilege."

Tooley's Boat Yard - the oldest working dry dock on the inland waterways - also opened it's doors for visitors to see inside as part of the project.

The lock will be refilled on Monday, December 6.

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