A NEW marina which is expected to boost tourism in Burnley has started to be filled with water.

Engineers working at Reedley Marina will have to continue pumping twice a week for the next few weeks to reach the 14.5 million litres needed to fill the new tourist attraction.

Water from the Leeds and Liverpool Canal is being used to fill the marina in a carefully controlled operation to ensure the protection of the existing environment.

It is a milestone in the creation of the £1.2 million development, which is expected to bring a major boost to tourism in the area and will be open by August.

Owner Jason Fildes said: "All the jetties are in place, the facilities building is flying up and now the water is going in, so we are very much on course and the excitement surrounding the marina is growing.

"The interest has been phenomenal and there's a real buzz around the whole scheme; people can't wait to see it up and running."

"There has been such a surge over the last few years in the number of people enjoying narrow boating that it has become a hot topic and a new marina like ours attracts national attention."

A recent open event saw 1,200 people visit the development, which is near Barden Mill, which Jason also owns.

The marina will benefit from stunning views across Pendle Hill and the surrounding countryside and will have a facilities building providing showers, a laundrette and chandlery.

It will be perfectly natural and lined with existing clay, organic coir edges and reed beds.

There will also be a tearoom and parking facilities.