Canal project shortlisted for Historic England Angel Award

The two charities came together to deliver an ambitious canal restoration and career recovery programme for wounded, injured or sick servicemen, women and veterans. The project gives ex-veterans the opportunity to gain qualifications and readjust to civilian life and was made possible by £500,000 funding from players of People's Postcode Lottery.

Heritage Heroes was set up to support veterans carry out vital restoration work on some of England's oldest canals. The first phase of the programme took place at Ryeford, outside Stroud. Veterans worked with volunteers at Cotswold Canal Trust to restore the Ryefold Causeway.

Jason Leach, our Enterprise and Restoration Team Manager said: "We are so pleased that Heritage Heroes has been recognised by the Heritage Angels awards. The project has literally transformed lives as well as canals and historic structures. We are really proud of what the project has achieved and the partnership that we have with Help for Heroes."

Mike Lee, Help for Heroes Project Manager says: “We are very excited to be nominated for a Heritage Angel award. 59 wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans have benefitted from the project and it's great to see the difference it's made to their lives. It's incredible that their work is being recognised by experts.”

Andrew Lloyd Webber said: "I'm delighted to champion the people who protect the precious buildings and places around us. Everyone who has been shortlisted for an Historic England Angel Award has made a significant difference to our landscape and built environment. Congratulations to all of them! This year I am especially pleased that we are crowning an overall UK winner for the first time, showcasing the crucial work that is being done across the country by local heritage heroes.”

Vote for Heritage Heroes
While the four category winners will be decided by a panel of expert judges, each project is now seeking the public's support to win a further award. All 12 shortlisted projects are in the running for the Historic England Followers' and Telegraph Readers' Favourite award chosen solely by the public.

Voting is now open, cast your vote here: Historic England Angel Awards. Voting closes 5 November.