Those with happy memories of Roadford Lake's former steam launch are invited to take a trip to Devon's largest inland water, where a brand new solar-powered launch, the 'Mary Christina', is providing a different view of the 740 acre lake.

South West Lakes Trust's Head of Leisure and Countryside, Angie Martelli says the boat can take up to 24 passengers, is available to individuals or groups and can be booked for special events as well as offering daily trips across the water and into some less visited areas, including viewing birds and wildlife in the middle reaches of Roadford.

She said:?'We are delighted with the new boat, funded by the Rural Development Plan for England, which is giving everyone a chance to see Roadford from new angles. People used to come from far and wide for the steam launch and this new craft has many more advantages, including accessibility for all and a "drop off" service.

'Its scheduled stops are at the jetty below the Lakeside conference centre and at our "Outdoor + Active" activities centre and tickets can be purchased in the café.

'This has to be an ideal way of spending your time in peace and tranquillity at a beautiful lake and we're sure that when word spreads, it will be high on everyone's "to do" list. Everyone who's tried it so far has loved the experience'.

For more information on how to take to the water on the solar-powered launch at Roadford Lake, phone 01566 784859.