A PLAQUE celebrating the life and work of a founding member of the Droitwich Canals Trust has been unveiled.

Nick Quarterly Grazebrook was a leading light and vital force when the trust was first set up in 1973.

On Sunday, family, friends and colleagues gathered in Vines Park, Droitwich, where one of the swing bridges has been restored in memory of the waterways enthusiast.

Members of the Inland Waterways Association, West Midlands Region, donated money that funded the restoration of the bridge.

John Fletcher, national chairman of the IWA, spoke at the ceremony of Nick's knowledge, experience and enthusiasm that benefited the association right up until his sudden death in 2002. Councillor Margaret Rowley, chairman of the trust, said: "It is very appropriate that as we approach the full opening of the Droitwich canals we remember founders such as Nick, without whose unstinting effort, we would probably not be in a position to complete the restorations that everyone enjoys today."

The trust was started by local enthusiasts who wanted the canals, which officially closed in 1939, restored to their former glory. Nick was not only a founding member but active canal restorer and legal adviser.

The Barge and Junction canals, which connect the River Severn at Hawford to the Worcester and Birming-ham Canal at Hanbury Wharf, are due to be restored by 2009.

Earlier this year Advantage West Midlands confirmed £3m funding.