The Fens Waterways Link opens up a new 149 mile (240km) stretch of waterway to boat users between Lincoln, Ely and Peterborough.

The Environment Agency hopes it will help the natural environment of the fens and encourage tourists to come to the area.

The project is said to be the biggest of its kind in Europe and is set to generate �40m a year for the area.

It has been funded by a consortium of sponsors including the European Regional Development Fund and Lincolnshire County Council.

As well as opening up new areas of land, the waterway will safeguard a number of wildlife habitats.