BRIDGWATER and Taunton Canal will have its first commercially operating narrowboat for many years operating from next month.

On Wednesday, (September 19) the new 38ft SomerSun narrowboat arrived at Bridgwater Docks and was lifted by Wheelers of Bridgwater to her location where she will be fitted out over the next two weeks with the aim of being licensed, inspected and ready for action from Sunday, October 7.

The narrowboat will be run by the new Somerset Boat Centre based in North Newton.

Owner of the Somerset Boat Centre, Ryan Chorley, said: "SomerSun is a 38ft, specially designed all-steel trip boat for the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal and seeing her arrive at the docks was a proud moment for the team here."

The narrowboat will be multi-purpose - it can be booked for private functions, will be used as a training boat for those looking to gain RYA qualifications in boat handling, will run scheduled trips to Bridgwater and Taunton and will also be used for special themed cruises for the likes of Halloween and Christmas.

The newly built boat was made by Crafted Boats on the Worcester and Birmingham Canal.

This Halloween will be the first of these themed cruises, and takes place on Saturday, October 27.

Taking place between 10am and 5pm, this scary and fun cruise costs £6 for children and £5 for adults.

Mr Chorley said: "We want to re-engage the local community with the fantastic canal that is right on our doorstop, and provide tourists and visitors with a unique experience.

"We have had a brilliant response since opening and the word is starting to get around about what we have to offer here."

The Somerset Boat Centre also offers kayaking and canoeing, as well as a venue on site which can be used for business training, birthday parties and more.

To find out more information about Somerset Boat Centre, visit somersetboatcentre.co.uk, find them on Facebook or call 07508 959996.