The first boats passed through Lock 21 for more than 60 years

The 650m waterway between Ruskin Avenue and Cefn Wharf (14 Locks) of the Brecon and Monmouthshire canal near Newport had been derelict for decades.

But a small army of volunteers, many from across Europe, have helped return it to working canal route.

It is hoped that the canal will become a popular tourist attraction.

The �200,000 works focused on bringing the derelict Lock 21 back into use and involved the rebuilding of walls and the fitting of top gates and creating a culvert on the north side of the bridge.

It is the latest major project to be completed on the Crumlin Arm of the canal.

The Cefn Wharf is one of Newport's most historic sites where an impressive flight of 14 locks rises 160ft in just half a mile.

Restoration on the canal has taken around three years

A computerised learning point has also been set up to allow visitors to trace the growth and decline of the canal and its role in transporting commodities such as coal, iron, limestone and bricks from the south Wales valleys to the ports of Newport and Cardiff.

Restoration work has also been carried out along the canal at Gwastad Mawr, Bettws, Ty Ffynnon and Tamplin Locks on the main line of the canal, as well as Ash Tree Bridge.

The project will enable boat trips to be operated by the Monmouthshire, Brecon and Abergavenny Canal Trust.

Chris Morgan from the trust said: "This project has brought together hundreds of volunteers from all walks of life and indeed from various parts of the world.

"Some volunteers have come from France, Canada, and Romania to work on this lock over the past three years."

It is hoped that the restoration of the canal will become a symbol of the region's industrial heritage.

Funding for the scheme came from Newport Council, the European Regional Development Fund, and Wales Tourist Board.