A marina on a multi-million-pound housing development will be brought to life after lying empty for five years.

The man-made marina - which was the main selling point of a new £25 million private estate on Apperley Bridge - has been litter-strewn and vandalised since the main developers Maltsword went into administration.

But now British Waterways, which took over the marina two years ago and completed it, has turned the tide for its liquid asset by leasing it to an operator.

Gordon Lambert, whose family runs the Savile Town Wharf marina in Dewsbury, said he hoped to bring the basin up to full capacity, with about 40 boats using the attraction.

The company awarded him the lease when he beat off all competition during a country-wide advertising exercise.

Joan Brown, chairman of Apperley Bridge Development Residents' Association, said: "We're delighted and would like to see it in full use. We have been hoping for something like this for a very long time."

Mr Lambert, whose family runs the Savile Town Warf marina in Dewsbury, will take over at Apperley Bridge on Monday and hopes to make it a hub of activity.

He is a qualified boating instructor and says he will run the chandlers and coffee shop for the benefit of residents and boaters.

Mr Lambert will operate a Suzuki dealership and will carry out boat repairs, transferring the more complex work to his Dewsbury boatyard.

He plans to bring in his own small passenger boat to operate trips and believes other owners will use the marina as a base for holidays in the Dales and the rest of Yorkshire.

Mr Lambert, who said there would also be room for a small number of house boats, intends to install 24-hour security at the water feature.

Mr Lambert, 36, said: "Apperley Bridge is a beautiful and underestimated part of the world.

"I would like to have a really good relationship with the residents and am looking forward to meeting them.

"Apperley Bridge has the potential to be an attractive, thriving boating centre, with a first-class marina. We will offer safe, secure moorings, a well-stocked chandlers and peace of mind for boaters looking for top-rate facilities."

Alan Bates, British Waterways manager for the Leeds-Liverpool Canal, said: "We are delighted Mr Lambert is taking over the tenancy at Apperley Bridge.

"Opening the marina will breathe new life into the area and enhance Apperley Bridge as an attractive place to live and moor a boat."