PASSENGERS took a leisurely excursion into Kidderminster’s past on an 85-year-old narrowboat as part of a national celebration.

Saturday’s trip into the past was the centrepiece of events organised by the town’s Heritage Opportunities Group (HOGS) to mark Heritage Day 2019.

Bramble, a restored working boat built in 1934 and now operated by Stourport Forward, glided past some of Kidderminster’s key historical sites on its way to Wolverley and back along the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal.

En route Eliza Botham, of Stourport Forward, gave passengers a talk on the importance of the canal and its builder James Brindley to the local area.

The day also included walking tours of Kidderminster with HOGS historian Dave Laverty and Civic Society chairman Nick Hughes exploring areas and landmarks that have featured in the town’s rich past.

HOGS chairman Colin Hill said: “The canal trip and guided walks were very well received and many people remarked that they had not realised the town had such a rich history.

“We are grateful to Stourport Forward, Dave Laverty and Nick Hughes for providing such a unique and informative day for so many people.”

Local history groups got involved in the day with exhibitions at the town hall where visitors were given guided tours of the building with its court room and council chamber, and also had the chance to meet the mayor in the Mayor’s Parlour.

There were also open days at The Rose Theatre and Baxter Church.