First boat on restored Barge Canal in Droitwich
- Published
A canal boat has travelled along a stretch of waterway in Worcestershire for the first time in about 80 years.
The boat travelled along the 250-year-old Barge Canal in Droitwich, which has been restored as part of a £12m project.
British Waterways said it meant a vision to create a 21-mile (33.8 km) cruising ring around the scenic heart of the county was almost complete.
The Junction Canal will open in 2011, providing the final link in the route.
British Waterways has praised a 37-year campaign by Droitwich Canals Trust to restore the town's canals.
Jason Leach, British Waterways senior regeneration manager, said: "It's especially rewarding to see all the diverse efforts of groups and individuals coming to fruition after decades of planning and spadework.
"This £12m project to restore the Barge and Junction Canals will unlock the entire ring - a green waterway corridor for communities and a magnet for visiting boaters."