WILTS & BERKS CANAL TRUST

CANAL enthusiasts enjoyed a surge of support from members of the public after taking part in an annual fun day.

The Wilts & Berks Canal Trust offered boat trips along a restored stretch of the former waterway in Calne as part of an Easter event organised by the Castlefields Canal & River Park Association.
A steady queue of people formed at Chaveywell Bridge throughout the afternoon in order to enjoy short trips to the edge of the Bowood estate and back, in return for voluntary donations.
Around 200 people of all ages had a chance to climb aboard, helping to raise funds for the Melksham, Chippenham & Calne branch of the Trust.

Branch chairman Rob Jones said: "We were delighted to see so many people visit our stand to learn more about our local restoration campaign.
"It was particularly good to see so many families waiting at the bridge to enjoy their turn on the trip boat.
"It demonstrates the potential popularity of a fully restored waterway and the benefits it will bring to the local community."

The charity's ultimate aim is to link the Kennet & Avon Canal near Melksham to the River Thames near Abingdon and The Thames and Severn Canal near Cricklade, connecting Chippenham, Calne, Wootton Bassett and Swindon.
Supporters hope it will provide a multi-million pound boost to the local economy through increased tourism and employment.

People can learn more about the Trust's work when it holds its annual sponsored walk from Chippenham to Lacock on the morning of Sunday April 26.