A new canal boat has been launched by the Islwyn Canal Association.
The Islwyn Lily – named by local school children – set sail on the Crumlin arm of the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal on Saturday and journeyed on a two-mile stretch of the canal to Pontywaun.
Its launch has been made possible by grants of £16,500 from Caerphilly County Borough Council.
The Islwyn Canal Association has spent 12 years trying to re-open parts of the Crumlin arm of the canal.
Caerphilly County Borough Mayor Gaynor Oliver travelled with local dignitaries on the Islwyn Lilly for its first official journey.
The boat is intended to run regular trips for members of the public from Whysoms Wharf, Risca to Pontywaun and back.
The association hopes that it can start running regular trips from March 2013.