The Wey & Arun Canal Trust were delighted to receive a call from Chris Cousins who was organising a group of children from Chernobyl to have a holiday in the UK. Based in Bramley, Chris is involved in the charity Chernobyl Children Life Line that arranged for 10 youngsters to enjoy a holiday in the UK. One of the highlights of their trip was a visit to the Wey & Arun canal when they enjoyed one of the special 'Santa cruises'. Each year the Trust raises a substantial figure towards the restoration of the canal by organising Christmas trips which involve a visit by Father Christmas to the boat to distribute presents to all the children.

This year the special trips were fully booked and a welcome £6,000 was raised for the canal restoration project. Dusty Miller, Chairman of W & A Enterprises Ltd, said 'this was a tremendous result and a real team effort by all our volunteers'.

Further information and photographs of the Christmas Cruises can be obtained from the Wey & Arun Trust's Public Relations Officer: Sally Schupke (01483 560543): email: pr@weyandarun.co.uk

For general information on the work of the Wey and Arun Canal Trust, please telephone the Trust office on 01403 752403.