BRITISH actor and canal boat enthusiast Timothy West will appear in Winsford to mark the opening of the town’s new marina.

The popular film, stage and television actor will formally unveil a commemorative lock gate at the new Winsford Marina on Saturday, April 30, from 2pm.

The announcement is something of a coup for Winsford Town Council, which has overseen extensive refurbishments on the marina during the last two years.

During this time, the council has worked closely with Nigel Hughes, from the River Weaver Navigation Society, to help promote the town as a popular boating destination.

Nigel said: “Given the heritage of the river Weaver and its remarkable scenery, these moorings, with their close proximity to shops and decent places to eat and drink make Winsford a real tourist destination.

“I feel sure this is the start of a major new regeneration for Winsford and offers new jobs and investment for the future.”

Timothy and his wife Prunella Scales have been keen boating enthusiasts for many years, and took to the waterways to celebrate their golden wedding anniversary.

They embarked on what became a hugely popular series of programmes that saw them cruising in many exciting areas, sharing a passion that they've enjoyed for decades.

Their trips included London's Lost Route to the Sea, Birmingham to Braunston, the Shannon and Erne Waterway, Llangollen Canal, Canal du Midi, Canal du Nivernais and the Forth and Clyde and Union Canals traversing the impressive Falkirk Wheel.

The journey along the river Weaver from Anderton Boat Lift to Winsford will mark a significant milestone in the efforts to get the Weaver used by more boaters.

Nigel said: “The River Weaver is a spectacular waterway, which links into the main inland waterways system at Anderton, yet is rarely explored by boaters.

“One of the reasons cited over the years was the lack of decent visitor facilities, which has led to investments in moorings and an impressive new marina at Northwich.

“And now thanks to the efforts of Winsford Town Council and Cheshire West and Chester Council, Winsford has impressive new facilities at the head of the current navigation.”