CELEBRITY archaeologist Prof Mark Horton became one of the first to sail a newly-restored stretch of Stroud canal.
The Bristol University professor, who is a big fan of maritime history, was aboard a passenger trip boat as it cruised from Ebley to Ryeford double locks.
It was the TV presenter's first voyage with the Cotswold Canals Trust since he became one of its vice-presidents.
The idea of the journey on the water was the introduce Coast and Time Team star Prof Horton to the canals' restoration project now he has agreed to become the face of the trust at public events.
He started his tour in Inglesham, where the Thames & Severn Canal meets the River Thames.
The Cotswold Canals' Project is working to reopen that canal and a stretch of the Stroudwater Navigation between Bowbridge in Stroud and The Ocean in Stonehouse.
The Cotswold Canals Trust is part of the project and its chairman Mike Guest said: "Much has been achieved over the 40 years the renovation has been in operation and much still remains to be done.
"With the significant progress being made around Stroud, I believe a tipping point has been reached and the job will be completed in the foreseeable future."
The canal restoration enthusiasts' goal is to eventually reopen the entire 36 miles of canals from Inglesham, near Lechlade, to Saul where the canals reach the River Severn.
The Heritage Lottery is the major funder.
