'Life on the Cut' unveiled

The innovative project, involving the Marsden-based Mikron Theatre Company in partnership with Kirklees Culture and Leisure Services and British Waterways, is a DVD-ROM entitled 'Life on the Cut'.

Designed for school pupils at Key Stages 2 and 3 of the National Curriculum, it traces the timeline of canals from the 1750s through to present day. It allows young people to explore the unique history and heritage of our canals, using a range of interactive features. The DVD-ROM also includes archive material, original photographs and film, documents and oral history and a host of Special Features. It will also appeal to adults interested in the history and workings of the canals.

A journey from the building of the canals

A new short film is also included about the canals and the people who lived and worked on them. Written by Mike Lucas, the founding artistic director of Mikron, the 18-minute film is a journey from the building of the canals and their heyday, through their gradual decline and deterioration and on to their period of restoration and regeneration.

Also being premiered at the event is a video diary capturing members of Mikron Youth Theatre as they researched, devised and performed their play 'Now and Then'. It shows them taking part in the creative activities, workshops and visits that all contributed to the play which they performed before an invited audience at Standedge Visitor Centre last December.

Janet Baverstock, business development manager, British Waterways Yorkshire, commented: "We are delighted to have been a partner in this project and to host the launch of' 'Life on The Cut' at Standedge Visitor Centre.

"This was an ambitious scheme which has developed legs as it has gone along and we were pleased to be able to contribute to the production through our operational team at Standedge and our Environment and Heritage advisers. The three elements of this production are very admirable in conveying the history of canal development and I am sure that they will be well received by schools all over the country."

After the celebration, the DVD-ROM will be available for £12 from Kirklees Council Information Points or by contacting Neil Windett, countryside manager on 01484 234076, and from Mikron Theatre Company. It will also be available at British Waterways' Standedge Tunnel and Visitor Centre.