VISITORS can find out what it was like to book a passage on Northwich's waterways 100 years ago after a £90,000 restoration project.

Two toll houses at the Anderton Boat Lift have been refurbished in the heritage project but Guardian readers, who will get their first glimpse into the houses next month, are being urged to help with the finishing touches.

The work has been carried out by the Canal and River Trust and jointly funded by public donations to the trust and the Saltscape Partnership, itself funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The trust is now appealing for readers to share any memories or stories about the lift and any old photographs of the toll houses themselves so that the two tiny buildings can be furnished as they would have appeared early last century.

Nicola Lewis-Smith, enterprise manager with the Canal and River Trust, said: "The toll houses were important buildings at the boat lift.

"Boat owners would be welcomed by the clerk who would weigh the boat’s cargo and collect an appropriate toll before allowing the boat onto the lift.

"This is the scenario we want to create for visitors as part of the Anderton Boat Lift experience.

"The toll house renovation project involved using traditional materials such as lime mortar for the brick repairs, and the installation of new floors and drainage.

"The toll houses were in a poor condition and weren’t fully restored in the major boat lift restoration of 2002, so it’s fantastic to see them brought back to life now."

Anderton Boat Lift, built in 1875, is a scheduled monument and connects the Trent and Mersey Canal with the River Weaver 50ft below.

It was originally constructed as a commercial boost to the regional salt and pottery industries.

The toll houses will open on Heritage Open Day, on Saturday, September 12, when entry will be free for the Anderton Boat Lift visitor centre and other heritage buildings across the country.

Alison Lomax, Saltscape manager, said: "It’s a great opportunity for people to meet the actor who will re-enact the role of the clerk, find out more about these important buildings and see a new aspect of this much loved local landmark come to life."

Anyone with old photos or stories to share should email enquiries.northwalesborders@canalrivertrust.org.uk or ring 0303 040 4040.