ANDERTON Boat Lift has received top marks for the educational visits it offers.

The boat lift has been awarded the Learning Outside the Classroom (LOtC) Quality Badge for the quality of its visits for local schools.

The visits are run by the Canal and River Trust’s Canal and River Explorers, a scheme linked to the National Curriculum aiming to teach children about the wonders of their local waterways and how to enjoy them safely.

The programme sees trained, locally-based education volunteers running fun-filled activities for school and youth groups, with children learning about their local area, science and technology.

Awarded by the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom, the LOtC Quality Badge is a national standard which lets teachers know that the sessions are educational, enjoyable and safe.

Annette Simpson, education and interpretation manager at the Canal and River Trust, said: “We’re thrilled that Anderton Boat Lift has been awarded the badge, along with 20 other waterway destinations.

“It’s a real testament to the great work our education volunteers do. School trips are among the most memorable experiences in a child’s school life, and our team work hard to make them as engaging and exciting as possible, making young people as passionate about the waterways as we are.

“We look forward to welcoming even more children to the waterways in the years to come.”