Residents across Abbots Langley have turned out in force to help raise money for a dilapidated narrowboat moored in the Grand Union Canal.

Dick’s Folly, a red, yellow and green wooden boat which accommodates 12, was acquired in 1989 by charity South West Herts Narrowboat Project, offering day and evening trips to a variety of organisations including Mencap and special needs school groups.

About two months ago the boat’s plumbing overflowed and the inside of the boat disintegrated, forcing members to strip the pine interior and leaving them with a hefty £50,000 bill for a refit.

On Sunday, May 30, project members held a summer raffle at the Abbots Langley Cricket Club, in Manor House Ground, Gallows Hill Lane, hoping to raise as much money as possible.

Peter James, a member of South West Herts Narrowboat Project, said: “The raffle was a great success and we had a selection of fantastic prizes including a two-day beginners sailing course, Saracens rugby tickets, and Watford Palace Theatre tickets – all of which had been donated by local organisations and businesses.

“Abbots Langley Cricket Club kindly played host and Watford Councillor Tony Poole and his wife were on hand to draw the raffle tickets.

“It was a fantastic day and we managed to raise over £1,700.”

Organiser John Blake added: "Many thanks to Abbots Langley Cricket Club, who showed a true community spirit in allowing our summer raffle draw to take place during their cricket tournament.

"Thanks must also go to the local businesses who kindly donated the prizes, our members who helped sell tickets and of course to those who purchased tickets.

"The money raised will bring us a little nearer to the refitting our community narrowboat Dick's Folly - named after the late Dick Gettings who was a Senior Youth Worker in South West Hertfordshire- which will once again enable us to provide a narrowboat facility for use by all community and youth groups."

To help raise money for Dick’s Folly email sponsorship@swhertsnarrowboat.org.uk or telephone Peter James 07905 307107.