STOURPORT has been awarded Heritage Port status, recognising the historic importance of the canal basins in the town as a key inland port.

The new designation, granted by the Maritime Heritage Trust and National Historic Ships, will provide support and focus for tourism, emphasizing the local heritage of Stourport.

As part of the recognition, the town has the option to place 'heritage' road signs on main access roads to promote its new status.

This title now places Stourport in the same league as cities like Chester and Exeter.

To celebrate this achievement, Stourport Forward and Stourport Yacht Club, with support from Stourport Town Council, Stourport Civic Society, The Inland Waterways Association, and local businesses, are organizing a celebration on Saturday, September 9.

The event, centred around the Stourport Yacht Club, will feature a historical display, a barbecue, guided tours of the Basins, a two-hour workshop for children by Fetch Theatre, visits by historical narrow boats, and talks by businesses around The Basins.