LOVERS of Droitwich Spa's canals can help the area gain funding for a future top tourist attraction.

Viewers across ITV Central will be able to cast their votes for the local project they think should win up to £50,000 from the Big Lottery Fund as part of the national televised People's Millions contest.

A shortlist of the best regional projects competing to make their community a better place to live was announced and will be shown on the regional news from October 31.

Droitwich residents can vote for the Wych Barge is Best project on Tuesday, November 1. The town project would see a life-size 'Wych barge' reconstructed with the grant. Named after the cargo vessels that once worked the Droitwich Barge Canal, the barge would be based in the town and symbolise the historical significance of the local canal and salt industries.

Margaret Rowley, chairman of the Droitwich Spa Canals Trust, said: "The reconstruction of a Wych barge is an exciting way of bringing the history of the soon to be restored Droitwich Barge Canal to life."

Droitwich Canals Trust will now meet on Tuesday and members will hear the latest information from British Waterways manager James Thompson on future projects and the £10million redevelopment. The meeting will be held in the Community Centre, Heritage Way at 7.30pm.