The River Stour Trust has announced a unique volunteering opportunity at Flatford Mill, the location which inspired John Constable's famous painting, 'The Haywain'.

The trust is seeking new crew members to run their electric passenger boats during the summer.

Interested individuals can directly contact the group's Training Manager, Kevin Taylor on 01206 322122, for more details.

Harwich and Manningtree Standard: The interior of 'Trusty', the trust's longest-serving boatThe interior of 'Trusty', the trust's longest-serving boat (Image: River Stour Trust)

The chairman of the charity’s local group, Alan Ryan, said: "Our short trips on this lovely stretch of the river Stour are thoroughly enjoyed, by both the public and our own members, and we now operate almost every day in the summer.

"We always welcome any new volunteers, male or female, who would like to join us and help drive the boats whilst informing our passengers about the river and the beautiful Dedham Vale.

"Full training will be given to enable you to pass the relevant Inland Waterways Association qualification and we’d ensure you felt totally at ease before operating the boats yourself."