THIS Sunday there’s a rare opportunity for anyone who’s ever wanted to try canal boating in Bromsgrove or Redditch.

The Canal and River Trust has teamed up with a holiday firm to offer a free taster session in Tardebigge where people will be able to have a go at free trips on skippered narrowboats, as well as enjoying boat tours and holiday discounts.

Mike Grimes, head of boating at the Canal & River Trust, said: “For many people, a boating holiday is the start of a lifelong passion. These free taster sessions are a great way to test out whether this sort of holiday could be for you, before committing to a full weekend or week’s break.”

Tim Parker, chairman of Drifters Waterway Holidays, which is teaming up with the trust for the day, added: “Travelling at just 4mph through peaceful countryside, sleepy villages and exciting waterside cities, canal boat holidays are often described as ‘the fastest way to slow down’. Close to 400,000 people go canal boating each year and according to research*, the numbers have increased by 23 per cent since 2009.

“Last year, over 1,000 people got afloat at our open day events held all over the country. We hope this year’s taster sessions will introduce many more people to the joys of a holiday afloat on Britain’s wonderful inland waterways.”

No booking is required for the day, and people of all ages are being encouraged to just turn up. Events will begin at 11am and finish at 4pm. For more information about the day, call 01527 873898.

For more information about visiting the canals, visit canalrivertrust.org.uk.