BRITISH Waterways has taken over a popular Adlington canal-side landmark.

The company has clawed in the White Bear Marina on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal following an approach by former owners ALG Investments (Wigan) who operated the premises since 1987.

The marina consists of a well-stocked chandlery, boat workshop and brokerage office, cafe and mooring for 109 boats.

Cath Cain, British Waterways manager, has now been handed the exciting task of heading a five-strong team running the marina.

The existing staff will remain there and become employees of British Waterways.

Cath, who has even bought a boat herself, said: "The White Bear Marina has an excellent reputation and British Waterways was glad to respond to the invitation to take it over when we were approached by the previous owners.

"The existing staff offer a quality service to customers and British Waterways is committed to maintaining that and building on it for the future."

Anyone who has not already paid it a visit can catch a glimpse of the White Bear Marina in an new series of the BBC programme DIY SOS, which is due to be broadcast this autumn.

Chorley boater Andrew Moynihan wrote in to the programme after making slow progress on his boat renovations and the BBC responded by sending Bob the Builder, presenter Nick Knowles and their team to provide a quick fix.

The TV experts had two days to wave their DIY magic over his boat -- the first time the programme had ventured onto the canal.