GOLDFISH, baby moorhens, dragonflies and the occasional crossing deer are just some of the delights to be found on Swindon's disused canal.

And thanks to hard-working volunteers of the Wilts and Berks Canal Trust, our waterway now boasts summer boat trips.

Budding sailor Stephen Islip, 10, from Wootton Bassett, was among the first to sample this tranquil journey.

He said: "It was great fun. There are lots of interesting plants and wildlife that you do not normally come across."

His mother, Shellon, 41, found the experience equally enjoyable.

"It was a true pleasure to relax and gaze at the reeds.

"It is the perfect way to spend a lazy summer afternoon," she said.

The 20-minute narrow boat ride runs from Beavans Bridge up to Kingshill and back.

Along the route, passengers pass under Skew Bridge, an old railway crossing built in 1880.

A medieval settlement, reeds, lilies and green algae galore will also be encountered while cruising along the Westleaze canal stretch.

Henry Smith, 54, Swindon branch chairman of the Wilts and Berks Canal Trust, said: "Boating is the ideal way to introduce people to this little-known area of beauty.

"Many locals do not even know it exists."

In future, pending further restoration work, he hopes to revive the tradition of horse-drawn narrow boats.

But for the time being, battery power is providing the service.

"This canal trip is like taking a step back in time because it forms such a crucial part of Swindon's history," he added.

With a top speed of four miles per hour, there is little risk of frightening animals in their habitat.

Volunteer Peter Hunt, 50, from Liden, said: "The slow pace is all part of the beauty.

"It is a chance to sit back and take things easy in breathtaking surroundings."

He believes the canal is a tremendous untapped source of leisure potential.

"It is such a treasure trove of wildlife and vegetation, we should use it more often," he said.

The boating trips run throughout the summer on Sundays from 2-4pm (until the batteries run flat).

It costs £2 for adults and £1 for children.

For more information call 07881 626775.