Mayor Dave Presents Love Bedford Visitor Award to John Bunyan Community Boat Pioneer

Mayor Dave Hodgson has presented Graham Mabbutt of the John Bunyan Community Boat project with with the inaugural Love Bedford Visitor's Award in recognition of the hugely success of the project in brining people into Bedford and onto the river.

At a recent BedfordBID breakfast, Mayor Dave spoke of the outstanding contribution of Graham, who led the project from its launch in 2013. Since then over 38,000 trips have been taken on the boat on the River Great Ouse.

Commenting, Mayor Dave Hodgson said: "The river belongs to everyone, and the John Bunyan Boat has enabled thousands of people to enjoy getting out onto the water. That's thanks in large part to the tireless efforts of Graham Mabbutt.'

"Graham has worked incredibly hard firstly to make this brilliant idea a reality, and then to make it a successful attraction for Bedford. He richly deserves this recognition as the first recipient of the Love Bedford Visitor's Award."

You can find out more about the John Bunyan Boat project and find details of the cruises on offer at https://www.johnbunyanboat.org