THE Wilts & Berks Canal Trust held its yearly open meeting when more than 150 people attended the event at the Immanuel Church Hall in Upham Road.

Roy Cartwright, chairman of the Canal Trust in Swindon said: "Each year this event just gets bigger and better.

"And each year we try to do something new.

"For instance this year we had a human fruit machine, as well as a game of Irish Bingo - which was great fun.

"We also had a raffle with 15 prizes donated by members and a film show about canals in the past being built."

The meeting was opened by Mr Cartwright, who invited the trust's chief executive Ken Oliver to give an update on what is happening on the canal, including the new route through Swindon.

Other speakers followed themes as diverse as working parties, the trust's magazine, and the history of the North Wilts Canal.

The meeting was closed by Mr Cartwright, who said that last year had been the busiest in the canal's history but 2008 was set to be even more so.