Specialist construction teams have begun digging out the basin at Reedley Hallows, which will form the 102-berth marina on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, behind Barden Mill.

And construction of the marina is to be as natural as possible, with removed topsoil being used for landscaping and clay being used to line the marina bottom.

Mr Jason Fildes, Barden Mill owner and the man behind the marina, said he was delighted work was under way and everything was on course for a summer opening.

He said: "It is an exciting time for the area, as in just a few months the marina will be up and running and playing host to holiday-makers and boat owners from across the country," he said.

Jason says Reedley Marina will help open up East Lancashire for a host of people who have never been here before. "Reedley Hallows enjoys a beautiful location with stunning scenery and the marina will have uninterrupted views across the valley up to Pendle Hill."

He said: "Reedley Marina will provide narrowboat owners with a safe and secure environment to moor their boats and our plans also include a marina office, a members' room, washrooms and a laundry."

Plans for Reedley Marina had to go before both Pendle and Burnley councils, as the site borders both local authorities, while the project has also been assessed by British Waterways.