A BOAT built by a group of local men set sail on its maiden voyage to celebrate the historic Bridgewater Canal.

Nine men living in communities along the waterway launched the boat, swapping the traditional bottle of champagne for a bottle of Salford brewed beer from brewers First Chop Ale.

They have spent a year building a boat inspired by the those once used in the Duke of Bridgewater’s coal mines the the 18th century.

The boat set sail at Worsley in front of a large crowd of friends and family.

The project, named Minecrafting, is part of Est.1761, a programme of activities to inspire and engage communities with the story of the Bridgewater Canal as it undergoes a £5.5 million restoration thanks to £3.6 million funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and contributions from Salford City Council and Peel Holdings.

The boat was named The Volunteer, a name chosen by the men who built her.

Five of the nine men who built the boat steered it on its first journey along the canal between Worsley and Boothstown using oars which they had also made themselves.

Salford councillor, David Lancaster said: “The men all live in communities along the canal and it has taken them over 700 hours to build the boat in twice weekly workshops.

“This new 20ft boat uses ash, poplar and beech wood from along the canal and traditional craft techniques in the construction and was inspired by the starvationer boats used in the mines — so called because of their protruding ribs.

“This new boat is not a replica, but is about creating a living piece of heritage and writing another chapter in this history of this remarkable canal.

“The project also aimed to encourage the men to take an active interest in the culture and heritage of their area and make new friendships as part of a shared endeavour. Nationally fewer men than women are involved in arts and cultural activities than women and Minecrafting set out from the start to change that.”

The men were supported by Start Creative which helped them learn traditional hand-craft techniques.

Nigel Harris, who helped to build the boat, said he volunteered after taking early retirement. He said: “I’m immensely proud to see it launched and at the thought that this will be a lasting legacy for many years and may inspire future generations.”

Heritage ballad singer Jennifer Reid wrote and performed a song at the launch event, “Be proud lads, now she’s complete”

Those attending the launch took part in wood-crafting helped by a traditional clog-maker.

Francis Egerton, the third Duke of Bridgewater, built the Bridgewater Canal to transport coal from his mines at Worsley to markets in Manchester. Opened in 1761, it was described as one of the wonders of its time and is credited with starting the Industrial Revolution.

Engineer James Brindley solved problems with flooding by creating a network of 47 miles of underground canals to drain the mines and building the Barton Aqueduct to carry the canal over the River Irwell.