Charity's new canal boat arrives at home near Ellesmere
A canal boat built for a charity which provides holidays for disabled people has arrived at her permanent new home.
Shropshire Lady, the £70,000 vessel built for the Lyneal Trust, made her maiden voyage last week from from the boatyard in Stoke to her new home at Lyneal Wharf near Ellesmere.
It has replaced Shropshire Lad – a 24-year-old boat belonging to the charity – which had run its course.
A statement on behalf of the charity said: "Shropshire Lady has been put through her paces and came through with Shropshire colours flying. Last week she commenced her maiden voyage from Stoke to her permanent home at our very own Lyneal Wharf.
"She received a fantastically warm welcome from Lyneal Trust volunteers and supporters. She has performed beautifully throughout the three-day journey.
"She will be fully equipped and our skippers and crew members will be trained to sail her.
"So far, the boat has behaved in a manner befitting her name – like an absolute Shropshire lady."
The new 60-foot boat has huge windows allowing people to enjoy panoramic views.
It is set to be officially launched in July. But details of the official launching ceremony are being kept under wraps by the charity.
The boat has been built by Stoke-on-Trent-based builders, who have also made the charity’s three previous boats.
