The canal network is one of the most beautiful aspects of our area, weaving through our cities, towns and rural areas, connecting us all through tranquil towpath walkways and marinas whilst providing a quintessential part of British life and leisure on the water – not to mention being an integral part of our water and flood management.

I was privileged to take a ride with the Canal & River Trust in Garstang this week, to see the valuable work they do all year round to manage 2000 miles of waterways in England and Wales, and discuss the challenges and opportunities ahead.

As a charity, like many others, they face huge funding constraints and pressures. It’s vital that they have the ability to access funding to protect this critical historic infrastructure, and I’m delighted to support the Trust in their ambitions for Lancaster canal.