Shrewsbury’s new river boat has set sail on the River Severn on its maiden voyage.The new 88-seater passenger boat arrived at Frankwell car park yesterday and was craned onto the River Severn in a difficult hour-long operation.

Named Sabrina, after the goddess of the River Severn, the 60ft long, 27-tonne boat signals the return of river trips in the town after the demise of the River King in 2005.

It travelled up the water to Victoria Quay where it will be moored until it is officially launched for the Easter weekend.

The attraction has been spearheaded by Morris Property and the tourism arm of the borough council, Destination Shrewsbury.

Run by Chester Boats, which already owns boats in the Roman city and York, the attraction will operate for the summer season in Shrewsbury.

It will offer half-hour trips from 11am until 4pm starting on Good Friday, and will also be available to hire for corporate trips and events. It has three decks, a bar, catering facilities and toilets.

Councillor Judith Williams, who is part of the river regeneration group, watched the boat as it was hoisted onto the river.

She said: “It just kissed the water and away it went like it had always been there. It was an amazing sight to watch and I cannot wait to see it full of people.”

Brian Clarke, of Chester Boats, said: “We see Shrewsbury as having great potential for developing boating services on the Severn.”