A STEAMBOAT was launched in Bridgwater at Kings Lock near North Newton on the Bridgwater & Taunton Canal.

On Saturday, April 16, a steamboat was launched at the YMCA in Bridgwater.

The owner of the boat, Ian Richards, built SL Isambard in four years and this was his first real outing on the water.

He said the steam engine was originally from a river tugboat built in WWII and worked around Shoreham Harbour.

Below are some photos from the day (by Les Pickersgill).

Bridgwater Mercury:

Bridgwater Mercury:

Bridgwater Mercury:

Bridgwater Mercury:

Bridgwater Mercury:

Bridgwater Mercury:

Bridgwater Mercury: