The Spud Boat

SOWERBY BRIDGE – The owner of a narrowboat reportedly named "The Spud Boat" found herself at the centre of some good-natured towpath banter this week, after locals decided to take her vessel's name literally. The woman, who was enjoying the summer sunshine on the bow of her boat, was approached by three men out for a walk along the canal. Upon spotting the boat's name, they couldn't resist cheekily asking if she was serving hot potatoes.

The query, which could have been confusing to a stranger, was met with a roar of laughter from the boat's resident, who clearly had heard the joke before. "We saw 'Spud Boat' on the side and just had to ask," chuckled one of the men. "We shouted over 'Got any hot spuds for us?' It was just a bit of a laugh. It's what life on the canal is all about, isn't it? A bit of friendly banter."

The good-natured exchange highlights the unique community spirit found on Britain's waterways, where a quirky boat name is often an open invitation for a conversation.

While there were no potatoes on offer, the cheerful interaction certainly provided plenty of smiles for everyone involved.