BRIDGWATER residents were shocked today to see the rare sight of a powerboat using the River Parrett.

Skipper Sue Weston and her husband Matt, brought her boat the Dalligaf up from Combwich up to Bridgwater today.

The ride took a lot of planning due to varying heights of bridges and specific tide times needed to navigate the river but Sue said they made good time and it was fairly plain sailing.

"We set off from Combwich at about 10am, and it took just over an hour," Mrs Weston said.

"Trevor Reason at Combwich helped us a lot and gave us tips to negotiate the river but it actually ended up being fairly straightforward."

Sue, who is a member of Durleigh Sailing Club, has been powerboating for around four years and has travelled all over the South West from Cornwall to Cardiff to Southampton, but saw the cruise up her home river, the River Parrett, as something to tick off her bucket list.

"It is something I have always wanted to do but it seemed a bit scary," she said.

"It took a bit of planning but it is something I would encourage other boaters to try.

"We really enjoyed it, it is very scenic, very peaceful and I hope others with follow our lead."

Sue and Matt enjoyed a coffee and bacon and sandwich at one of the cafes on the West Quay before setting off back to Combwich just after midday.

Pat Robinson, from the Friends of Bridgwater Docks said she hoped this was something Bridgwater would see more of in years to come.

"There is a real opportunity for tourism here," Ms Robinson said.

"With the introduction of the Tidal Barrier and hopefully work on the lock gates down at the Docks, people boating down the Parrett, stopping off and enjoying the town could become a regular sight."