Devizes mayor Kelvin Nash was responsible for arranging a trip on the Kennet and Avon Canal last week for a Calne man who had recently suffered a stroke.

Coun Nash had been chatting with Mayor of Malmesbury, Ray Sanderson, when he heard about Wilf Koch.

Coun Nash said: “Wilf had recently suffered a stroke and had gone from 100 per cent fit to wheelchair-bound in a day.

“Ray told me that Wilf, a former merchant seaman, had always wanted to take a trip on the Kennet and Avon Canal.

“A few days later, Pam and I happened to be at the Devizes Wharf for the Kennet and Avon Canal Trust’s 50th birthday and we had a chat with trust president David Bruce.

“David immediately offered assistance and put me in touch with his administrator, and daughter, Rebecca. I organised the trip for Wilf and his wife and carer Sarah, Ray and his mayoress Margaret plus Pam and I.

“We all had a brilliant time cruising the K&A from the trust base at Great Bedwyn Wharf.”