Call for help to service old canal boat

The boat, Dane, was built by the Mersey Weaver and Ship Canal Carrying Company in 1946

A heritage site in Stoke-on-Trent is appealing for volunteers to help maintain an old working narrowboat.

Middleport Pottery is looking for people who can give two days of their time to help service the boat, named Dane.

It was built in 1946 to transport goods and is now used to take pottery visitors on trips along the Trent and Mersey canal to Etruria and through the Harecastle Tunnel.

Earlier this year, Dane was named one of National Historic Ships UK's Flagships of the Year.

The boat was created by the Mersey Weaver and Ship Canal Carrying Company, just north of Middleport Pottery, and was restored by the Narrowboat Heritage Foundation.

Louise Bartley, the pottery's marketing and communications manager, said Dane "plays a hugely significant role" by "highlighting to visitors the important role working narrowboats played to factories".

"As a charity-run visitor attraction we are always looking for volunteers to help keep the history of the potteries alive," she added.

"This time we are looking for a bit of specialist help to keep Dane on the move for many more years to come."