AN event organised to celebrate 150 years of canal engineering, saw the return of horse drawn narrowboats to Brierley Hill's Delph Locks.

The star attraction of the event was boathouse Prince, who demonstrated how narrowboats would have travelled up and down the locks when they first opened in 1858.

Over 1,800 people visited the locks, during the two day event and took the opportunity to experience onboard living conditions on the historic working boat Sagitta.

Dudley Building Society teamed up to support the event and sponsor the duck race, as they are also celebrating their 150 anniversary this year.

Event organiser Paddy Grice, said: "The excellent weather on both days certainly helped and the walking trips round the old locks were particularly popular."

Stourbridge MP Lynda Waltho and treasurer of the Parliamentary All Party Committee on Waterways supported the event and helped Matt Ward from Dudley Building Society raise the paddles to start the duck race.

Lynda said: "We all had a great time, the weather was absolutely glorious and there were many boaters, canal enthusiasts and local people enjoying the day.

"It was a great mix of history, celebration and fun activities.

"The canal network is a very important part of our industrial heritage and it's important to remember and celebrate this great achievement that helped to bring prosperity to the Black Country."

Organisers have arranged the next event to take place on Saturday June 21 and Sunday June 22, which will be two hour boat trips to find the long lost "Two Locks Line".

Trips will leave the Blowers Green Pumphouse, Peartree Lane at 11am and 2pm, to book a place call 0844 800 5076.