The Wey & Arun Canal Trust's publicity effort has received a major boost from a generous sponsor. A smart, brand-new mobile display vehicle will soon be seen at outdoor events and rallies, packed with information and displays about the Trust's work. The Trust is currently working on an ambitious project to reinstate the canal crossing under the main road in Loxwood, Sussex. The building work, including a new lock, naturally attracts many curious visitors. The new vehicle has already had its first outings to Loxwood, where over 1,000 guests have enjoyed the traditional Santa cruises this year.

The new vehicle was purpose-built by Marco Trailers of Newhaven, Sussex, and will normally travel behind the Trust's Land Rover Defender, donated by the Harwoods Group in February 2005. The Trust would now like to find a sponsor to pay for painting and signwriting on the vehicle; at the moment the outside is sparkling clean white, but this is definitely not the best colour for trips to outdoor events.

David Isted, Publicity Manager for the Wey & Arun Canal Trust, says 'this new vehicle will be a major asset to our publicity work and will help to get our name known in the community. We plan to be at all the major waterways rallies next year, and also local events such as carnivals, fairs and festivals. Until we have a permanent Visitor Information Centre, this vehicle will be used as an information point for visitors at Loxwood and manned by one of our volunteers'.

The Wey & Arun Canal Trust aims to restore the historic 23-mile waterway route between the River Wey at Shalford, near Guildford, Surrey and the River Arun at Pallingham, near Pulborough, Sussex. The canal is a vital part of the only inland waterway route between London and the English Channel.