'Charity leads the way to get disabled on canal'

The Lyneal Trust offers canal trips and cottage stays

A charity that helps wheelchair users enjoy a trip on a canal boat is preparing to celebrate its 40th anniversary.

The Lyneal Trust in north Shropshire uses adapted narrow boats and cottages to offer holidays and day trips and is staffed by 40 volunteers, who welcome people with a range of mobility issues.

Peter Fox, who is one of them, said it had given him the opportunity to "put something back, to help people that wouldn't otherwise be able to do it".

His colleague, Nicky Fox, said she enjoyed seeing the "joy on the faces" of the people enjoying the experience.

Derwen College, a nearby college for young adults with special educational needs and disabilities, has visited the Lyneal Trust for the last four years.

Bev Simmonds, who was taking a group from the college this week, says the trust is "leading the way on accessibility and inclusion".

Derwen College has been visiting the Lyneal Trust for four years

The canal boats give young people "the opportunity to explore different environments" and for students it is "a completely different sensory environment", Ms Simmonds said.

Ms Fox said: "We meet some amazing people with fantastic stories."

She also said she was impressed by their resilience and willingness to try something new.

"Being on the water for a day, or longer, is a great way to relax and take time in nature to enjoy the environment of the lovely canal side," Ms Fox added.