A Radcliffe fishing club has launched a campaign to restore a working canal boat with connections to the late Queen Elizabeth II.

Little Britain Anglers, a fishing club which looks after the River Irwell and surrounding waterways and canals is aiming to raise £12,000 to restore a Kennet & Avon (K&A) boat which has sunk in the canal in Rochdale. 

The boat, which is underwater at the Royal Oak section of the canal, has been there since the 1980s and was previously owned by Manchester, Bolton, Bury Canal Society.

It is believed that the barge was previously purchased for use on the Kennet and Avon Canal for a visit from Queen Elizabeth II, but little is known about its history.

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Apart from having a tennis-ball sized hole, the boat remains in good condition and the group believe they can get in back into full working order.

The Bolton News: Little Britain Anglers says the restored boat could help their efforts to clean up the canalLittle Britain Anglers says the restored boat could help their efforts to clean up the canal (Image: Little Britain Anglers)

It now needs funds to help with storage while ongoing repair work is done and for the materials to carry out the repairs.

Eric Owen, Chairman of the Little Britain Anglers said the barge must be restored due to its unique place in the history of canal boats.

He said: “It is the only canal barge that can fit any canal. It’s important for us to get the barge up and running for the heritage side of it.

“The aim of the game is to get other people on the canal to work on it.

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“We want to get local residents and people who want to get involved in taking part.

“Once we get the barge done, we’ll look at making it into a trip barge.”

If successful, it is hoped that the boat could be floated and used a working boat for travel between Radcliffe and Bury where it will have particular use in cleaning up the water. 

As little is known about the history of the barge, Eric is asking anyone with any knowledge about it to come forward.

“It shouldn’t just be forgotten, it will help get more tourism,” Eric added.

“It will help to attract more investment which will help to restore the rest of the canal.”