The first in a series of winter acoustic concerts held in partnership with the South West Herts Narrowboat Project has taken place.

In front of a sell-out audience at Abbots Langley Community Centre, the season began with a canal themed performance entitled “Where the Working Boats Went”, by Bedfordshire duo “Life and Times” - Barry Goodman and Graeme Meek.

Based on canal facts and stories, the piece included songs all presented as a dialogue between two boatmen, and illustrated by old photographs of the canals.

A share of proceeds from the evening will be donated to the project, which purchased a narrowboat named “Dick's Folly” to offer day and evening trips to organisations including Mencap and special needs school groups.

Volunteers served tea and cakes to the 100-strong audience, while a raffle raised £200 towards the narrowboat project's £50,000 target.

The next concert will take place at 2.30pm on Sunday, February 6, featuring JIG JAW who combine the percussion and passion of dance traditions with vocal harmonies.

For more information email alconcerts@gmail.com or telephone organisers Tim and Lesley Brooks on 01923 264536.