CROWDS turned out in force at Silsden on Sunday to celebrate an historic canal journey.

They welcomed the boat Kennet, which stopped off in the town as part of its epic trip recreating the first-ever full navigation of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal 200 years ago.

Despite arriving in Silsden two hours late due to a swing-bridge failure at Riddlesden, people were there in numbers to greet the boat and its flotilla.

"It was a great reception," said Colin Thunhurst, from the Leeds & Liverpool Canal Society.

"We're grateful to everyone who turned out and waited for the flotilla's arrival."

Silsden mayor, Councillor Peter Robinson, was presented with a commemorative plaque by Freda Childs, chairman of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal Society.

Earlier in the day, celebrations had also taken place in Saltaire and Bingley.

Following an overnight stop in Silsden, the flotilla moved on to Skipton.