York-based Continuum Group has been appointed by British Waterways Yorkshire to design and implement a £150,000 revamp of Standedge Visitor Centre – the site of Britain’s highest, longest and deepest canal tunnel.

The project will see new interpretation installed, more guided boat trips into the tunnel and better facilities for school groups.

The existing exhibition will offer free entry and the centre will be available for local community use out of opening hours.

The changes are expected to have been implemented by this summer.

Laurence Morgan, general manager at British Waterways, Yorkshire, said: “Standedge Tunnel was a tremendous feat of engineering and is still one of the wonders of the waterways.

“We are confident that the additional investment we are making in visitor facilities will bring positive results and the new interpretation will reflect the importance of this attraction as part of our national heritage.

“We are delighted that the Millennium Commission is supporting our plans and that we have the go-ahead to encourage more community groups to use the building for meetings and educational purposes.”

The Visitor Centre opened five years ago as part of the £32 million restoration of the Huddersfield Narrow Canal. Details: www.britishwaterways.co.uk or www.continuum-group.co.uk/