CAMILLA, Duchess of Cornwall is to become the patron of the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust.

Trust chief executive Ken Oliver, of Old Town, said: "The trustees are thrilled that Her Royal Highness has agreed to accept our invitation to become patron.

"We appreciate the number of such requests is very large and we are very honoured to be chosen.

"We think it is especially appropriate as our neighbouring restoration project, the Cotswold Canals, already have Prince Charles as their patron.

"We can now see a natural synergy between these two important regional restoration projects and our respective patrons."