Lichfield Canal

Volunteers are hoping to push the boat out if they win funding in a national scheme.

The Lichfield and Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust’s is hoping to purchase a narrowboat to be used by youth and community groups.

An application for up to £25,000 of funding from the One Family Foundation has been approved and will now compete for the cash in an online vote.

A spokesperson for the Trust said acquiring a narrowboat would allow the local community to experience the history and geography of the canal networks, observe wildlife, undertake environmental projects and gain skills skippering and crewing the boat.

“We want people to enjoy and benefit from time on the water and engage with the natural environment,” the spokesperson added.

People can vote online before November 3.

Founder of Lichfield Live and editor of the site.