A popular canal group that runs boat trips between England and Wales has become part of a registered charity.

The Llanymynech Canal Wharf group, which operates weekend trips every summer, recently celebrated its merger with the Montgomery Waterway Restoration Trust.

This charity has been advocating for the sustainable restoration of the Montgomery Canal for 40 years.

The event to mark this milestone was attended by several VIPs, including North Shropshire MP Helen Morgan and Montgomeryshire and Glyndŵr MP Steve Witherden, along with local councillors and volunteers from various canal charities.

The group is set to celebrate 20 years of welcoming visitors to the wharf and Llanymynech Heritage Area in 2025.

Their new charity status is part of their plans to further develop the organisation.

Graham Deakin from Llanymynech Canal Wharf revealed plans to refurbish their narrowboat, the George Watson Buck, and to improve the exhibition housed in a former stable block adjacent to the Montgomery Canal.

Mr Deakin said: "We have something really special at Llanymynech.

"Currently, we offer short trips on the canal, but we know our visitors really enjoy getting on the water and seeing the wildlife and industrial heritage locally."

Steve Witherden MP and Helen Morgan MP  (Image: Supplied)

According to Mr Deakin, more than 750 visitors have already visited the wharf this year for a boat trip or to find out more about the Montgomery Canal.

In 2024, the wharf welcomed visitors from across the globe, including Poland, South Korea, Australia, Germany, and South Africa, as well as many locals.

Mr Deakin added: "Next year we would really like to increase this number and if anyone would be interested in volunteering with us, we'd love to hear from you."

Ms Morgan praised the volunteers at the wharf and along the Montgomery Canal.

She said: "The hard work by volunteers at Llanymynech Canal Wharf and all along the Montgomery Canal is testament to what local people can achieve in their community.

"Our rural part of the county has been greatly enhanced by the restoration works, and it’s been great to see people in North Shropshire and beyond really come together.

"We picked a great sunny day to see the George Watson Buck in action on the canal, which I was delighted to get the chance to board. Well done to everyone who organised such a lovely event."

Mr Witherden also expressed his support for the ongoing restoration plans for the Montgomery Canal.

He said: "I welcome and encourage investment in the canal to protect its unique wildlife for future generations, so constituents and tourists alike can continue to enjoy the wide diversity of flora and fauna."

Speaking at the wharf, Michael Limbrey from the Montgomery Waterway Restoration Trust welcomed Llanymynech Canal Wharf on board.

He said: "The Montgomery Canal is a very special place locally and we are looking forward to working with the volunteers at Llanymynech Canal Wharf to develop and welcome more visitors interested in the Montgomery canal and its restoration.

"Restoring the Montgomery Canal is about giving the communities along the canal something they can enjoy, on the towpath or on the water.

"Visitors to the canal will see valuable plants and wildlife and a unique collection of canal-age locks, bridges, and other structures.

"The canal was built because of the quarries of Llanymynech Hill and the Canal Visitor Centre and adjoining Heritage Area tell that fascinating story to residents and visitors."