A disused canal boat has been turned into a quirky community meeting space in Warwick.

The Saltisford Canal Trust has refitted the boat to host community, education, volunteer and specialist groups and promote the safe use and enjoyment of the inland waterways and their natural spaces. 

The charity, which was formed over 40 years ago to restore the historic Saltisford canal arm, was given a £9,880 grant from Severn Trent to help with the project.

Named the Folly, the boat adds to the visitor centre and shop on the Budbrooke Road site, and is set to open to visitors next month.

Simon Brittain from Saltisford Canal Trust, said: "We are genuinely delighted to have received this funding from the Severn Trent Community Fund, which will enable us to transform this boat into what we believe will be a fantastic, one-of-its-kind meeting space for our community. 

"Our visitors rely on the appropriate use and management of our national water resources, and our visitors on foot enjoy all the benefits of being by the water.

"We are committed to the promotion of safe by water messages, our heritage and wildlife and habitat conservation, all of which will be made more possible through this dedicated community space."

The Folly has been placed in an orchard and surrounded by decking.

Sue Heyes, Severn Trent Community Fund officer, added: "We are really pleased that our independent awards panel selected Saltisford Canal Trust to receive grant funding through the community fund.

"This is a fantastic organisation that is doing some wonderful work and we really loved the way they've reused their decommissioned tour boat for this unique community space.  

"We are always looking for more local projects in the regions in which we work which would benefit from grant funding and would encourage anyone who may be applicable to get in touch."