AN historic Huddersfield bridge made the shortlist for an English Heritage award.

Turnbridge Locomotive Bridge, on Quay Street, was a runner-up in the Built Heritage section of the recent Conservation Awards.

The bridge, built in 1855, stretches over Huddersfield Broad Canal.

It underwent lengthy restoration from June 2002 until January this year.

Work was meant to last eight weeks, but unexpected problems repeatedly delayed the project.

The bridge's operation system was changed from a manual to push button system, which automatically winds up the bridge.

The wheels in the mechanism were also replaced.

The improvements were made by British Waterways, which held its own awards competition this year.

Although the Turnbridge was not a contender, three Yorkshire waterways triumphed in the national Waterways Competitions 2003.

Yorkshire waterways took three of the four categories in the contest.

The best Lock and Bridge was won by Broad Cut Lock on the Calder and Hebble Navigation.

The best Waterway Length was won by Ripon Canal, and the Commendation Cup for most improved waterway was won by the Halifax section of the Calder and Hebble Navigation.

Stephen Talboys, British Waterways operations manager for Yorkshire, said: "This unprecedented achievement by the waterways of Yorkshire is tremendous.

"It is a great tribute to the hard work and dedication of our staff without whom it could not happen.

"I congratulate all those who won, as well as the others from Yorkshire who were placed."