THE Leominster Canal gave north Herefordshire its first glimpse of the industrial revolution.

Conceived in the late 1790s, at the height of 'canal mania', the waterway, which ran through Eye, Woofferton, Tenbury and Newham, was intended to connect the River Severn with Leominster and towns farther to the west.

Although the route was never completed, the canal was worked from the colliery at Mamble, Worcestershire, to Leominster for more than 60 years, before the railways took over.

Coal and 'sundry goods' were carried between wharves at Mamble and Leominster, the cost of coal products along the route being reduced dramatically.

The history of the canal and of the attempts to trace its substantial, though not immediately obvious, remains are detailed in a study published by Leominster Canal Promotions Ltd. This is run by Gerry Calderbank and Martin Hudson, two local enthusiasts who have dedicated more than 30 years to researching the project.

The booklet, 'Canal, Coal and Tramway', is the first of a series leading up to a major and definitive book next year. These will be available from the Mamble Craft Centre, near Tenbury Wells, or direct from the authors.

Plans are being made to hold seminars and tours aimed at promoting a better understanding of the canal and its historical setting. The first of these will be on June 10/11, as part of the forthcoming Leominster Festival.

Gerry and Martin will be displaying graphic reconstructions of the canal, as well as selling the publication.

For further information, write to Leominster canal Promotions Ltd, 79 St Peter's Close, Moreton-on-Lugg, Hereford HR4 8DN, e-mail Leocanal@aol.com, fax 01432 760576.