Angling guru and author Malcolm Greenhalgh and TV countryside and cookery personality Clarissa Dickson Wright today launched a brand new boat to help disabled anglers.

The Mark II Wheelyboat will assist disabled anglers gain access to the water at Dearnford Lake, near Whitchurch, Shropshire.

The new boat was christened 'Greenheart' – a name suggested by Fishery Manager, Karl Humphries – and the ceremony took the form of spraying champagne over her bow and cutting a ribbon. Mr Greenhalgh said: "I know from first hand experience how much enjoyment fly fishing can bring – it is an interest that can be experienced by all ages and abilities. Now Greenheart will provide a fantastic facility for disabled anglers in the locality. I am sure she will be much appreciated."

The Wheelyboat resembles a small landing craft with a drop-down bow which forms a ramp for easy access. It is simple to board for wheelchairs and handles much like a standard boat but importantly has a trihedral hull to ensure stability. Mr Andy Beadsley, Director of The Wheelyboat Trust, was on hand to witness the ceremony. He himself is a wheelchair user and a fly fishing instructor. Sir William Lawrence, Chairman of Heart of England Tourism, was one of the first to enjoy a voyage in Greenheart.

The boat has been funded jointly by the Environment Agency and the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund (EAGGF) of the EU and DEFRA through the Northern Marches – England Leader+ programme. The total cost of the boat was £6,350 with 60% coming from the England Leader+ fund and 40% from the Environment Agency.

Julie Jones, chair of Northern Marches – England Leader+ Local Action Group, added: "We were very pleased to offer grant support to purchase the Wheelyboat which will make the entire water accessible for disabled people of all ages, not only for anglers but for anyone's enjoyment of the water."

Mr Andy Roberts, Environment Agency Technical Officer, said: "We are very happy to assist this project as it is one of our aims to promote enjoyment of angling for all. This is one example of our Angling Participation Project which works with others to encourage new people into the sport."

TV, radio and film personality Bernard Cribbins was due to have assisted with the launch but work commitments prevented his attendance. However he commended the project. He said: "As a friend and supporter of The Wheelyboat Trust, I am absolutely delighted to endorse the launch of another Wheelyboat. The Trust began its works in 1985, and more than 100 boats have been launched giving untold pleasure for disabled anglers who would otherwise have many access difficulties in getting on the water."

Fishery owners Mr and Mrs Charles Bebbington thanked Mr Greenhalgh, Leader+ and the Environment Agency for their support. "Our special thanks go to Mr Andy Beadsley who helped deliver the project. The Wheelyboat gives disabled people independent access to the water, a place more often than not substantially out of bounds to them. It can easily accommodate four people including wheelchairs which means that friends and families will be able to participate. We hope very much the Wheelyboat will enhance the experience of everyone who uses it," said Mrs Jane Bebbington.

The Wheelyboat Trust
Wheelyboats provide disabled people with independent access to waterborne activities on equal terms with their able-bodied counterparts