Sir Ken's work with canal charity

IT IS not all that well known, but Sir Ken Dodd, knighted in the New Year, has long been associated with a children's canal boat charity.

He started his association with the Canal Boat Adventure Project way back in 1976 when he launched the charity's first canal boat the Jubilee Mond, Alan Tilbury tells us.

Become its patron

It was in the following year when a chance meeting with young people who had been helped by the charity persuaded him to become its patron.

In the following year he launched a further five canal boats, attended many presentations and ceremonies, and at one time even arrived at the charity's recycling project in a pony and trap.

Supported for 40 years

Supporting the charity for 40 years, he earned the respect of its members, with one boat being named Happy Ness after his famous song, and also the social inclusion project the Nessie Club in 2001.

Sir Ken also helped with the many funding projects, with his involvement with young people in his 80th birthday celebrations, being featured on a special edition of the BBC Songs Of Praise.