MORE than 5,000 people came to this year's Slough Canal Festival.

The event is designed to highlight the pleasures of having part of the Grand Union Canal in the town and boat rides were offered to visitors, who could take the long ride to Stoke Road or the shorter one into Langley.

On dry land at Langley's Bloom Park there was excitement from the youthful trial bike riders who started the event off on Saturday careering off the tops of vans, while an event for dog lovers saw excited canines chasing after a decoy.

On Sunday things continued with the Mighty Smith strong man show and fishing lessons from representatives of the Environmental Agency.

Circus skills, bungee trampolining and face painting were all on offer. A miniature train chugged round the site and the birds of prey display attracted the crowds.

But there was a slightly disappointing turn out by actual canal boat owners, who usually come down in force.

A council spokesman said: "There were fewer than usual because the hot weather had left the canals rather low. But the event was still very nice with a real village feel."