DROITWICH Canals Trust pushed the boat out at an open day at Hanbury Wharf.

Families flocked to the event on October 10, which was boosted by the news the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) had approved a £4.6 million grant towards restoration of the canal, two days earlier.

Visitors jumped on board community boat Pamela May and enjoyed rides down the lock throughout the day.

Volunteers have recently completed work on the boat to improve access for disabled people.

And those interested in becoming a volunteer with the Trust had a chance to find out more about the work involved.

Trust chairman Margaret Rowley said: "We were delighted with the response to the event, which was well attended. Several new volunteers and members signed up.

"The junction locks have been restored by local volunteers and the nationally organised Waterway Recovery Group with help and advice from British Waterways in 2002."

On October 8, the HLF agreed the grant, which will provide almost a third of the £11.2 million needed to restore the Barge and Junctions Canals.

Wychavon District and Worcestershire County councils and Advantage West Midlands have pledged further funding towards the ambitious restoration, establishing a 21-mile cruising ring.

Mrs Rowley added: "Costing for the complete restoration assume more work such as this would be carried out by volunteers, so we were particularly pleased to sign up several new recruits."

Anyone interested in joining the trust can call Denis Pike on 07870939121 or James Aylward on 01905 610289.