Barge hire in Worcestershire is set to hot up next year, following the installation of new moorings along Droitwich waterways.

The Barge Canal in Vines Park will be able to welcome back tourists and boat owners to its waters for the first time in 70 years, following the installation, according to British Waterways.

Locals are also hopeful that the reinvigorated stretch of canal will provide the town's economy with a boost.

Commenting on the regeneration, Wychavon District Council's managing director Jack Hegarty said: 'Providing both permanent and visitor moorings in Vines Park will encourage boaters into the town and provide life, colour and vibrancy for land based visitors and residents, a true benefit to the town.

' British Waterways senior regeneration manager Jason Leach added that the moorings will maximise the retail, leisure and general economic development benefits for the local region.

A record number of people visited UK canals and waterways during the last year, according to the latest figures from British Waterways, which indicate that levels were up by 26 per cent.