The Stover Canal volunteers have a new piece of equipment thanks to the generosity of a local financial planning company.

Strategic Solutions Financial Services of Newton Abbot have funded the purchase of a ‘topper’, a heavy duty grasscutter, which will help with the swift clearance of the canal bed.

Volunteer Nigel Flower said: ‘Although only two miles in length, the canal is quickly overtaken by nature, particularly during the summer months.

‘The topper will attach to our small tractor and can clear undergrowth and grass in one session.

‘It could take our volunteers four times as long to clear it by hand.’

Trust chairman John Pike said: ‘We were approached by Abi Stidworthy of Strategic Solutions offering a grant and, after consultation with our volunteer members, she arranged the generous funding of this wonderful piece of equipment.

‘It will enable our small band of work-party volunteers to keep the canal looking good for the public to enjoy.

‘We are most grateful to the management of Strategic Solutions Financial Services for thinking of us in this way.

‘The work we are doing is for the benefit of the local residents and visitors and is funded solely by grants, donations and by our membership.’

Abi Stidworthy, of Strategic Solutions, said: ‘We are so pleased to have funded a new Topper for Stover Canal Trust.

‘The canal that you can see in the photo wasn’t even visible seven years ago.

‘We’d like to give a mention to the amazing volunteers and all the hard work that they’ve put into this project so far.’