FUN and laughter filled the day as autistic youngsters were treated to a boat trip along the Bridgewater Canal.

Two barges run by the Canal Boat Adventure Project sailed to Walton Hall, where the children played crazy golf, visited the zoo and enjoyed a buffet.

Members of Wirral Autistic Society set off from Preston Brook in Runcorn and took part in various arts and crafts activities during their journey.

The trip was hosted by teenagers from the Prince's Trust, as a celebration after repairing and refurbishing one of the boats, which was gutted in an arson attack.

Vandals caused extensive damage in the first incident of its kind in 28 years. Volunteers worked through hail, snow and freezing weather to complete the work.

Paul Martin, team leader, said: "The canal boat project has provided the Prince's Trust team with two different development opportunities, whilst contributing to the local community.

"Being able to use the boat they restored to benefit another group has been great."