Those behind the bid will find out in November if they are successful

If successful, The Helix project would create 300 hectares of woodland with a new canal link and public art area.

Officials from the Big Lottery Living Landmarks fund will decide which project is successful in November.

The project is competing with dozens of initiatives from across the UK for a share of the �140m fund.

The bid is being put forward by Falkirk Council, Central Scotland Forest Trust and British Waterways Scotland.

We haven't got the big prize yet but the news that the Helix bid has reached the final stage is a strong endorsement Richard Millar British Waterways

The project was given its name because of the spiral shape it would form from Langlees to Laurieston and Polmont.

Plans to develop a new canal link within the Helix would include the creation of the world's largest equine sculptures in the form of two 30-metre-high Kelpie horse heads by sculptor Andy Scott.

These would form an integral part of a new boat lift mechanism at the eastern entrance to the Forth and Clyde canal.

The final stage of the bid will see officials from the Lottery Fund panel make a final visit to the area on 30 October.

The proposed site will face both sides of the new Falkirk Stadium and extend to the Carron Works, through to the Antonine Wall.

Richard Millar, from British Waterways, said: "We haven't got the big prize yet but the news that the Helix bid has reached the final stage is a strong endorsement of the hard work put in by everyone and of the tremendous support and backing received by the Falkirk and Grangemouth community.