Eight Network Rail employees have successfully repaired a canal in Rugby, Warwickshire.

On Thursday 25 May, the workers took time out from their usual duties in office-based and operational roles for Network Rail’s West Coast South route and Capital Delivery team, to help the Canal and River Trust with work on the Oxford Canal in Rugby.

The canal had a problem with a feeder channel that had become clogged up and overgrown.

Feeder channels run from small streams or rivers and help to ensure that canals have the correct level of water.

The work carried out by the rail staff saved the canal charity an estimated twenty thousand pounds.

For more information on how Network Rail works with community groups visit this web page.

Ellen Wintle, Network Rail’s West Coast South infrastructure director, said: “It’s been great to get out and help the Canal and River Trust in Rugby as part of Network Rail’s commitment to volunteer in local communities.

“Our two organisations share lots of similar challenges in that both the railway and canal network were built by the Victorians for mass transportation. We know the importance of keeping such historic infrastructure up to scratch for the 21st century, so we’re really glad our hard graft has helped save the charity £20,000 which can be spent on its other vital waterway improvements.”