PRINCE OF WALES TO BE PATRON OT THE WATERWAYS TRUST

HRH The Prince of Wales is to be the Patron of The Waterways Trust, the new charity for inland waterways.

The Prince has had a long association with the inland waterways through the National Waterways Museum in Gloucester, one of the three museums now owned by the Trust and with the Montgomery Canal on the Welsh borders.

The Waterways Trust was established in March 1999 to promote greater public enjoyment and awareness of the UK's canals and rivers; develop partnerships to secure funding for the conservation and restoration of waterways; and help to realise the social, environmental and economic potential of living waterways.

Sir Neil Cossons, Chairman of The Waterways Trust said, " We are delighted and honoured that Prince Charles has agreed to become our Patron and we look forward to his involvement in the Trust's work. This marks an important new phase in out development. Over the next 18 months four major projects will be opening, demonstrating our role in delivering social, economic and environmental benefits through waterway regeneration."

"By bringing together the museums and archives within The Waterways Trust, real benefits are being realised for the museums and for visitors, students and researchers, as well as providing improved accessibility for people of all interests and abilities."

"We are working with a wide range of partners - organisations, communities and individuals for the benefit of waterways across the United kingdom."