THE Duchess of Cocklemoor is back on the river – just weeks after being badly damaged by vandals.

Moored at the Somerset Community Rowing Club in Langport, the vessel was targeted in an incident some time between July 22 and 23, which left it struggling to stay afloat.

However, a community fundraising effort has raised around £6,000 – with work now so far on she is back on the water.

The Duchess, owned by Ian MacNab, has started carrying passengers once again, including a county foraging group, and a group from the Langport Area Dementia Action Alliance Monday Club.

A spokesperson from the Monday Club said: “Well done the Duchess Team for getting back on the water.

“The Monday Club thoroughly enjoyed their trip out and as ever, the skippers were magnificent.

“Those of us who stayed behind enjoyed watching the wonderful Duchess back in the water.”

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A group from the able2achieve charity has also enjoyed a trip on the vessel in recent days, and said it was a “fantastic trip” and “a great opportunity to spot wildlife and enjoy the riverside environment, insects, birds and plants”.

“As the Duchess is all electric she is almost silent, so a lovely peacefully trip without frightening the wildlife or polluting the environment,” they added.

Police are still investigating the vandlism of the Duchess of Cocklemoor, and anyone with information about the incident should call 101, reference 5225207732, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

The Duchess of Cocklemoor was badly damaged by vandals while moored in Langport

The Duchess of Cocklemoor has been refloated after being targeted by vandals in Langport