Canals celebrated through photographer's passion

This photograph shows the water glistening as a group of kayakers pass a narrowboat on a canal near Aldersley

A photographer has walked through snow, rain and sunshine to capture 16 miles (26km) of a canal network in snaps.

Ian Hughes, who lives in Pendeford, explored the canals in Wolverhampton over the past six months to promote routes to people which are away from traffic and car fumes.

The 63-year-old wanted to encourage the community to use the network more often to get exercise and experience paths "filled with history, wildlife and beauty".

"We have an amazing resource in our extensive canal network in Wolverhampton that is vastly underused and most of it is stunning," he said.

Mr Hughes said he loved the history of canals because the network allowed the manufacturing industry to "flourish" in the city.

The sun sets over the Wednesbury Oak Loop Canal on an autumnal evening in this shot

Mr Hughes said he had sparked conversations with many people while exploring the canals, including those sailing by on their narrowboats.

"Almost all people are overly friendly," he said.

He added the exercise had kept his mind and body active and claimed he had successfully "walked away" his type 2 Diabetes diagnosis.

"It feels good to capture the modern look of the canals yet also note it's extensive and fascinating history," Mr Hughes said.

Snow falls on the Old Main Line Canal on a cold January day here

These ducks were swimming in the distance on the Old Main Line canal near Bilston

Mr Hughes' photographs have featured in an exhibition at Wolverhampton Central Library which explored the history of the network.

His collection is available to view until 15 February.

This part of the Wyrley and Essington Canal, known as the "Curly Wyrley", is filled with colourful graffiti and arches

A narrowboat moves past the Cheese and Butter Factory here, in Horseley Fields