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The Worcester & Birmingham Canal from Gas Street Basin in the heart of Birmingham to the River Severn at Worcester was planned as a wide beam canal, opening up a new direct route to the busy West Coast ports of the Severn and the Bristol Channel. Fierce opposition from existing canal interests resulted in a physical barrier isolating it from the rest of the canal system and preventing through traffic - the famous Worcester Bar. It has since been opened up.

The canal was built wide beam down to Kings Norton Junction, where the money ran out. Construction was eventually resumed as a narrow canal to reduce costs through one of the most heavily locked sections in the country.

This thoroughly researched video, filmed to broadcast standards, captures the essence of this essentially rural canal, which spreads its green fingers right into the centres of both Birmingham & Worcester. The views from it across the Severn Valley are breath-taking. The numerous locks are well maintained and easily worked.

It's a fascinating programme which includes an interview with a former narrow boat captain, holder of the record time with a loaded narrow boat from Birmingham to the Severn, set in 1933.