Roadshow expert discovers our ‘priceless’ tunnel

“Antiques Roadshow” expert Paul Atterbury made his first trip through Britain’s longest underground waterway tunnel and declared: “It’s priceless.”

Paul, vice-president of the Waterways Trust, was taking part in a Teddy Bear’s Picnic event at the tunnel which links the Huddersfield Narrow canal from Marsden to Diggle.

After helping leg the narrowboat Maria on a 2hr 40min journey underground, he said it was amazing experience.

“It is something I have always wanted to do,” said Paul, from Dorset. “I can now check it off my tick list.

“It really is a tremendous experience — the tunnel is an absolute legend.”

He was taking part in the event organised by the Stanedge Tunnel and Visitor Centre in partnership with the Horseboating Society.

And Paul, an historian, met Ronnie Barnes, aged 90, the last legger of Stanedge Tunnel before its closure in the 1940s.

While the team was travelling underground, enthusiasts joined Bilbo Baggins, the tow horse, on a four-mile guided walk over the hills to meet the boat at Diggle.

James Dean, visitor services manager said: “It’s been a fantastic family day out.

“Lots of children brought their teddy bears along to join in the fun.”

Sue Day, chairman of the Horseboating Society, remarked: “It’s been a huge success. Paul and all the team really enjoyed themselves — and the teddy bears had a marvellous picnic too.”