LANDSCAPERS have unearthed a hidden piece of Woolston's history - evoking memories of a time when you could catch a Mersey boat from the New Cut Canal to Salford.

Obscured by 12-foot high brambles the canal lock at the top of Weir Lane, like the waterway itself, has been in decline since the 1960s.

So it was a pleasant surprise for contractor Colin Horth, aged 58, and his colleague Neil Jones, when they tore away the tangled thorns and discovered part of the lock mechanism, still in working order.

The pair, who work for Thor Landscapes, had been working on a nearby garden when they were asked to clear away the brambles.

Colin, of Acton Bridge, Northwich, was enthused by his find and said: "It is a gem - part of Warrington's history.

"This is where the old canal feeds into the River Mersey. An old man who walks his dog here remembers getting on the boat which used to go to Salford from here."

As well as uncovering the lock, Colin and Neil also found a handle used to drive the mechanism and a discarded paddle.

Nearby is the old lock keeper's cottage, derelict for many years but rumoured to have been bought by a private investor for renovation recently.

David Potts, information officer for Groundwork Mersey Valley, told the Guardian that New Cut Canal, opened in 1821, was superceded by the Manchester Ship Canal in the 1890s.

But it still supplied water to the Black Bear Canal at Latchford and remained open until the 1960s and most of it is now filled in.

The canal was home to what was once reputed to be the world's oldest horse - Old Billy pulled boats along the New Cut Canal from the 1760s to 1820s, living to the age of 62. He belonged to Edward Robinson, who lived at the former Wild Grave Farm, in Woolston.