Ken Dodd said children and parents would love the exhibition

Comedian Ken Dodd opened the new facilities at the Boat Museum, in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, on Tuesday.

The first exhibition at the spruced-up museum is How To Build a Boat - which explores the building of wooden and metal canal narrowboats.

It also investigates much older boats, such as the 2000-year-old log boat and the coracle.

The museum has the largest collection of historic inland waterway craft in the UK.

'Special moment'

The additional space will mean more of its collection can be put on display.

The new exhibition focuses on interactive multimedia computer-based exhibits.

Ken Dodd said: "Ellesmere Port has a special place in my heart as I made my first appearance on stage here.

"Kids and their parents are going to love this new exhibition.

"There are lots of games, interactives and things you can touch so you really get a chance to find out about canals, boats and the people who worked and lived on them."

Roger Hanbury, chief executive of The Waterways Trust, said: "With the help of generous grants we are investing �1.6million and transforming everything the museum offers.

"So whether you're interested in learning or having a good day out, a visit to The Boat Museum will be a more enjoyable experience."