A NEW electric narrowboat offering trips along the canal has been unveiled at Alvechurch Marina.

Bromsgrove MP Bradley Thomas was at the launch of ABC Boat Hire's new 36ft 'Fun Day' boat - which accommodates up to ten people.

The boat has a toilet, indoor and outdoor seating and a kitchen area with induction hob, sink and microwave. Day boaters can pack a picnic afloat, or stop off at a canalside pub for lunch. 2024 day hire prices start at £99.

Mr Thomas said: “As well as being an important place for wildlife, the Worcester & Birmingham Canal makes an important contribution to the local economy, generating tourism, canalside and boating businesses and jobs.

"It was interesting to learn that nationally there are now more boats on Britain’s canal network than during the Industrial Revolution, including over 1,000 boats for holiday and day hire.

“I’m delighted to be invited to see this exciting new electrically powered boat that will be available for people to hire here on the Worcester & Birmingham Canal, for both local people and visitors to the area –  helping to boost our local economy and tourism sector.”

Haley Hadley, ABC Leisure Group’s marketing & sales director, said: “Britain’s beautiful network of inland waterways is important for biodiversity, and the wildlife that you can see is one of the things that makes holidays and days out on the canals so appealing.

“We’re committed to reducing the carbon footprint of our holidays and ‘Fun Day’ is the fifth electric day boat to be added to our fleet.

“The boat uses products from our Onboard Energy Direct off-grid energy range, including lithium batteries and a Beta Marine 10Kw motor engine.

"Electric engines are very quiet so day boaters can hear more of the sounds of the countryside and woodlands surrounding them.”