Mystery surrounds the disappearance of both a huge crane and a lock-keeper's cottage at Bingley's world-famous locks.

According to old plans and maps dating back to the 1800s the two structures stood at the bottom of the five-rise locks.

Now a pioneering scheme is set to ensure nothing else vanishes from the historic site and visitors are set to learn more about its industrial heritage.

The British Waterways Conservation Plan, to be piloted in Bingley this year, will see grants of thousands of pounds being poured into the three-rise and five-rise locks.

David Blackburn, British Waterways conservation manager, pictured at the locks, said the project includes investigating and listing items which have gone and protecting those still there.

"There used to be a lock-keeper's cottage and a crane according to plans and maps of the site, but over the past 50 or so years they've disappeared," he said.

"The idea behind the scheme is to ensure nothing else goes missing as both locks are important engineering structures and they are within the conservation area."

Mr Blackburn said the plan will allow British Waterways to apply for grants from the Heritage Lottery Fund and English Heritage.

The cash will also pay for notice boards and maps showing visitors the locks' history.

The ecological aspects will be noted and the document, to be available from the library, will assist planners when looking at applications for land near the canal.

Councillor David Heseltine (Con, Bingley) said the locks were a major part of the town's and the canal's heritage.

"The locks are a massive feat of engineering and when you see them you think about the hard work that went into putting them there," he said.

"Anything that helps to make them more accessible and attractive has to be welcomed whole-heartedly."

Eileen Sinclair, acting chairman of the Bingley Town Centre Partnership, said: "People come from all over the world to see these locks.

"This plan is just what we need and with the completion of the relief road the town will definitely be on the up."

The five-rise locks have Grade II listed building status and the three-rise has Grade I status.

In 1771, at the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, King George III gave his assent to the Bradford Canal Bill which saw the £6,000 waterway become a major link of the Leeds-Liverpool canal.