VISITORS enjoyed a glimpse of canals as a potential getaway destination at an annual event.

Whitchurch Marina welcomed people from as far afield as Anglesey to its open day, which aimed to show the benefits of taking canal trips – but also to raise awareness of environmental and conservation issues.

The event was part of the Canal & River Trust's Drifters National Open Day programme of activities to encourage canal use.

Around 30 people attended the event and Ray Richardson, of marina owners ABC Boat Hire, said that feedback had been "very positive" throughout the day.

"It hasn't stopped all day. We've had continuous flow of people coming and going out on trips."

Visitors also took a look around two narrowboats moored by the canal.

Mr said that the day was also aimed at educating people about the canal system and environmental issues linked to it, including wildlife and preservation of the water systems.

"Canals are not just about narrowboats – there's the towpaths that people use regularly, there's the fishermen,lots of dog walkers – it's used by everybody."

Marina housekeeper Mandy Burgess described the attraction of canal boats.

"It's quite serene, no hustle and bustle and it's about taking a nice, gentle trip along the canal," she said.