CANAL enthusiasts donned tailcoats and bowler hats, corsets and crinolines, for a gala re-enactment of the opening of Netherton canal tunnel - 150 years ago to the day.

A procession of over 40 narrow boats, joey boats and tugs, including ‘President’ - a steam boat on loan from the Black Country Museum - made its way along the tunnel, accompanied by music from the West Midlands Fire Service Band.

Deputy Mayor of Dudley Councillor Pat Martin and Mayor of Sandwell Bob Price also re-staged the original ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the 150th anniversary of the historic landmark.

At 3027 yards long, the Netherton tunnel was one of the biggest in the country, allowing two narrow boats to pass inside, and was the last major canal tunnel to be built in England.

Provided a waterway connection between Netherton and Tipton, the tunnel was officially opened on August 20, 1958, at a cost of £302,000. At the time of its opening it was lit by gas, later replaced by electricity.

Even organiser Paddy Grice said: “Being the last of its kind built during the canal era, the Netherton tunnel is of tremendous historical interest and the re-enactment, as well as being a fun event, will allowed people the opportunity to find out more about this era and the role the West Midlands played within it.”

Cllr Martin added: “The Netherton Tunnel is a wonderful example of Victorian engineering which took just two and a half years to complete .

“It is astonishing to think that, despite the advent of modern technology, it would take even longer to build the same tunnel today due to the need to fulfil all the necessary planning requirements.”

The event on August 20 marked the end of five days of celebrations highlighting the improvements the Victorians made to the Dudley Canals, which were all completed in 1858.