VITAL maintenance work has started on four, 50-tonne "fish belly" gates which control the Tees Barrage.

A 100 tonne crane will be used to install temporary dams either side of each gate well, before removing the water to inspect the gate seals, walls, floor and pivot points, as well as checking the steelwork for damage.

As part of the repairs, the Trust is holding a special open day giving the public the chance to explore around the structure and delve 40 feet into one of the drained gate wells to see the inner workings up close.

Visitors will be able to see the massive hydraulic arms, learn about fish migration, get rare access into the control tower and discover more about the white water course.

Lee Butler, team leader at the Tees Barrage says: “This is a fantastic opportunity for us to give people a rare behind the scenes look at our maintenance work and walk onto the Tees’ river bed.

“The event is open to everyone and they’ll get to learn about how we operate it, the rich ecology in the area as well as exclusive access into the control tower and gate well.”

The event will be held on Saturday, August 22 between 10-4pm. No pre-booking is required and the tours will operate on a first come, first served basis.

Further details are available at www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/summer-open-days