MORE than 200 took up the chance to try canal boating for free at Hilperton Marina on Sunday.

The taster sessions included free short trips on skippered narrowboats, as well as boat tours and holiday discounts.

The event was jointly run by the Canal and River Trust and Drifters Waterway Holidays.

Mark Evans, from the CRT, said: “We’re delighted local people came out and gave boating a try and hope they had fun being out on the water.

“The Kennet & Avon Canal is beautiful spot to visit throughout the year and we look forward to welcoming visitors, boaters and holiday makers to our wonderful waterways this summer.”

Marina Manager John Bull added: “We are delighted to report that despite the cold and wet weather, around 200 people experienced a canal boat trip at our open day event at Hilperton Marina this year.

“It is absolutely vital that we attract newcomers to the canals with taster events like these, so that more people discover the joys of a narrowboat holiday and the beauty of our inland waterways.

“We hope the people who visited our open day event come back to the canals again soon.”