Devizes MP Michael Ancram has taken over as president of the Kennet and Avon Canal Trust following the retirement of his long-serving predecessor Sir Anthony Durant.

Sir Anthony, who has been president since 1994, officially stood down at the trust’s AGM at Claverton pumping station last week.

Mr Ancram has been a staunch supporter of the canal since becoming MP for the Devizes constituency in 1992 and addressed last year’s local demonstrations against Defra’s threatened cuts in funding to canal maintenance.

The trust was formed more 30 years ago and has overseen the rebirth of the waterway.