PEOPLE will be able to walk along the drained lock chamber three on the Dudley Canal next month.

The Canal and River Trust is offering people the rare opportunity as the lock is out of action due to a £43,000 refurbishment project to install new, handmade lock gates.

Walkers can venture down Parkhead Locks, near Peartree Lane, between 10am and 4pm on Sunday, March 4.

The trust’s team, including construction supervisors, civil engineers and volunteers, will be on hand to explain talk about their varied work and why it’s important to pass this knowledge and experience on to future generations.

Experts will also explain how the lock gates are made and fitted and about the works being undertaken.

Bashir Ahmed, the trust's development and engagement manager, said: “It’s not very often that we get the chance to see our historic locks drained of water.

"The open weekend gives us the opportunity to meet with local people and share with them the work of the trust and how we maintain these national treasures.

"There will be plenty of activities to spark everyone’s interest so please come along and meet us.”