Following years of disrepair, a beautiful landmark along the River Lagan has been brought back to life.

The lock keeper's cottage at Shaw's Bridge lay vacant for over 15 years, but after extensive restoration works the picturesque building has been opened to the public.

The site is one of around 200 Northern Ireland historic attractions on offer during the European Heritage Open Days scheme.

The two-storey house contains four rooms, which illustrate a way of life long forgotten.

The cottage is the last remaining building in public ownership in Northern Ireland on the famous Lagan Navigation canal network.

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Dorothy McBride was one of the ten Kilpatrick children born and raised in the tiny cottage.

She said: "It took such a long time that we thought it was never going to happen. Some people may not be that interested but I loved it. It was my home and I never really left here."

The site of the cottage now features an interpretive centre, coffee shop and picnic spot.

Castlereagh Council's Economic Development Committee Chair,

Jack Beattie, said: "People were wondering what we were doing,

"Twelve weeks ago I had promised that it would be open in ten, but the bad weather added two weeks onto that.

"I am delighted by what's here and the general feedback from the public is absolutely wonderful."

Funding for the project was received through the EU's Building Sustainable Prosperity Fund and the Heritage Lottery’s Landscape Partnership Scheme, in addition to £15,000 from Castlereagh council.

(PR/JM)