IT was bottoms up for the Bramble appeal after it was given another boost by a Stourport pub.

A gala evening at the Hollybush to celebrate landlady Maggie Smith’s third year as manager raised £145 towards the restoration of the canal boat.

Ms Smith has held a number of events to raise cash for the appeal and even has a collection box on the bar for Bramble.

She said: ‘I have my own narrowboat that is being renovated so the Bramble project is close to my heart.”

She added the gala evening was a “great success”.

Ms Smith added: “Once restored Bramble will give local children the opportunity to climb aboard and find out all about life on the canals in years gone by.

“It will be a great resource for Stourport and we like to do all we can to help.”

Liz Sheerin, manager of Stourport Forward which owns the canal boat at Stourport Basins, said: “We are extremely grateful to Maggie, her team and all the customers who generously donated.”

Pauline Annis, chairman of the organisation, added the support from the pub had been “tremendous”.

Meanwhile, there is still time for people to sponsor Mark and Joshua Humphries, who are taking part in the Severn Way Walk on Saturday for the appeal.

The father and son team, of cleaning firm the Cleaning Faerie will be walking 16 miles from Bewdley to Worcester.

People can sponsor the pair on 01562 631581 or go online to my donate.bt.com/charities/severnway walk2012.

The Shuttle wants to raise £7,000 to pay for a new prop shaft, mechanical and electrical work, new covers and fenders and historic and replica items to furnish Bramble’s living quarters as they would have been in times past.

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