A 60-mile stretch of the 127-mile Leeds-Liverpool canal was closed yesterday because of drought conditions.

The stretch between Wigan, Greater Manchester, to Gargrave in North Yorkshire could be closed for weeks to save water.

The rest of the canal will stay open for navigation, but there will be a restricted lock schedule to reduce the effect on neighbouring waterways.

British Waterways said it could be many weeks before the canal reopens.

It warned of the closure last month, saying the UK was experiencing some of the worst drought conditions for 100 years.

Photo: www.penninewaterways.co.uk