The canal system in mid Wales will be joined to the UK network

A draft strategy carried out by British Waterways to renovate the Montgomery Canal has been welcomed by the council.

The cost of restorating of the 35-mile canal is about �41m and could take a decade to complete.

Supporters have said that the restoration of the canal would have a "huge benefit" on the area.

The council's economic and community regeneration approved a draft strategy outlining the plans to restore the canal after hearing a report by British Waterways.

The cross-border canal runs south from the Llangollen Canal at Frankton Junction through the counties of Shropshire and Powys to Newtown.

Councils including Powys are being asked to help fund the project, which has already secured some lottery funding.

Councillor Richard Noyce who supports the project said that the scheme would bring great potential to the area.

"If we are able to open up the Montgomery canal along its full length it will link it with the national network of canals," he said.

"This will encourage visitors into the area - those using the canal itself or those walking alongside it.

"Restoring it is of major importance because of the benefits it will bring.

"I am all for it and everybody seems very keen on getting the scheme up and running," he added.