The Grand Union Canal in Brentford has been awarded top marks for its role as an outdoor classroom, helping schoolchildren learn about waterways.
The site, where the Canal & River Trust's education team run visits for local pupils, was awarded a Learning Outside the Classroom (LOtC) Quality Badge.
It was one of 20 spots across Britain's network of waterways to receive the honour, awarded by the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom, which assures teachers the sessions are educational, enjoyable and safe.
More than 35,000 children across the country have learned about their local canal or river, with fun activities linked to the National Curriculum, thanks to the trust's education volunteers.
Annette Simpson, of the Canal & River Trust, said: "We're thrilled Brentford has been awarded the badge, along with 20 other waterway destinations around the country. 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."
* For more about organising a school visit to one of the trust's waterway destinations, visit https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/explorers or email explorers@canalrivertrust.org.uk.
