AFTER six years hard work, a barge made by the community for the community is finished.

The £80,000 boat, named the Angus Ferguson after one of the main fundraisers who died last year, will sail on the River Tees from Stockton.

Members of Stockton's Tilery Women community group first came up with the idea of building a barge after being inspired by a similar project on a trip to the Midlands in 1998.

The first four years involved fundraising and the project was then taken on by the Enterprise and Skills Initiative, an organisation which helps provide work training for young people.

During the past two years, dozens of young people have worked on the boat learning carpentry, electronics, painting and stained-glass skills.

Other work was done by volunteers and the Tilery Women have remained involved.

"It has taken some doing but she's finally ready," said Iain Fishburn, co-ordinator of the barge project and the boat's first skipper.

"We hope she'll serve the community for years to come. The only problem is we could do with a few more moorings and facilities along the river, which is so beautiful these days but not very often used."

The 10ft 6in-wide and 55ft-long boat has disabled access, a kitchen, television and video unit, two toilets, a shower and space for ten people to sleep.

The barge is based on the Tees Barrage in Stockton and can be navigated 14 miles down the Tees through Yarm towards Darlington.

Funding came from a number of private charities and trusts.

Hire costs are reduced for community groups, schools and colleges but businesses are also welcome to hire the boat. Call (01642) 674717 for details.