Midhurst could get its very own Boaty McBoatface!

The group, which has been at the centre of controversy over the planting of massive reeds as part of the pond restoration project, bought the boat earlier this year to help volunteers carry out work on the pond.

Before the end of the summer term volunteers asked school pupils in Midhurst and the surrounding area to come up with suggestions in their schools boat naming competition.

Chairman of the South Pond Group Barbara Coote told the Observer: “Our thanks to all those who participated as we have received 114 entries from the four local primary schools with a great variety of names and we now have the pleasurable task of choosing one.”

She said chosen name and the winner would both be announced at MADhurst’s grand finale fun day event on Bank Holiday Monday where the boat would be on show.

The name is to painted onto the boat by Midhurst signwriter Wayne Osbourne who is undertaking the task free of charge. Boaty MacBoatface attracted 27,000 votes when it was proposed for The Natural Environment Research Council’s research vessel.

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