CANAL boaters are once again able to enjoy their favourite pastime with the resumption of boat-hire at Whixall Marina.

Hire company Anglo Welsh has relaunched their boat trips, with customers able to travel to either Whitchurch or Ellesmere in a day.

Emma Lovell, reservations manager for Anglo Welsh, said new customers will be given full tuition on how to pilot the boats.

She said: "This summer, great days out are going to be more important than ever after months of lockdown restrictions and day boat hire on your local canal offers a great way to entertain the family this summer.

"It's easy to learn how to steer a narrowboat and all the family will enjoy cruising gently through the countryside, watching out for wildlife along the way and stopping off for towpath walks and waterside picnics.

"Full tuition is included in our day boat packages, so it's a great opportunity for those new to canal boating to get the hang of steering, mooring up and working the locks.

"Our day boats are equipped with cutlery, crockery, a kettle, fridge, cooker and a toilet, so you can pack a picnic and head out for the day with everything you need."

Anglo Welsh's day boat Julia is available to hire from Whixall Marina and from there, day boaters can either head east to Whitchurch, or west to Ellesmere.

The lock-free journey to Whitchurch takes just over two hours, and travels through six miles of countryside, passing the remains of the medieval motte and bailey Pan Castle.

Meanwhile, the journey to Ellesmere takes around three hours, passing Bettisfield Windmill, Lyneal Moss and Colemere Country Park along the way.

Day boat hire prices from Whixall are £99 for up to 10 people on a weekday, £140 on weekends and bank holidays and for more information visit www.anglowelsh.co.uk or call 01173 041122.