A NEW seating and recreation area made in the shape of a barge will be unveiled in a Worcester-shire park tomorrow.

The life-size replica of the Wych Barge, which once transported salt along the area's waterways, has been created in Vines Park, Droitwich.

It will be opened by Mid-Worcestershire MP Peter Luff and Roger Hanbury, chief executive of the Waterways Trust.

The barge, which is part of the project to restore the town's two historic canals, won a public vote as part of the Big Lottery's People's Millions TV programme.

It provides a focal point for recreation and information on Droitwich Spa, its canals and history.

Kim Chester, development manager at the Waterways Trust, the charity managing the project on behalf of the Droitwich Canals Partnership, said: "The Wych Barge was unique to Droitwich but there are none left in existence. Through this project we have recreated an example of the barge in a way that is practical and useful for people today.

"This has been a great community project, and has involved people of all ages and abilities. We are especially grateful to all the people of Droitwich who have helped develop information for use in the construction of the barge."

A number of different community groups have been involved with the project including adults from the Kingsfield Day Centre who created and inscribed the bricks used in the barge's seating area.

Youngsters from the town's youth clubs also worked with Birmingham-based artist Richard Ellis to develop designs which will appear on limestone paving slabs around the base of the barge. People also came forward with their memories of the canal when it was in use for information panels.