Companies are being invited to run boat trips on the River Ouse.

East Cambridgeshire council wants to find an operator to run sight-seeing trips along the waterfront at Ely.

Bars and galleries nestle on the quays in the shadow of the city's towering cathedral.

Yet within just a few hundred yards in either direction, the river heads into open countryside.

Peter Cresswell, chairman of the counci's community services committee, said: 'The river has historically been the lifeblood of Ely – a place where trade and commerce brought prosperity to the city.

'The area has in recent years been enhanced by the river boat trips – although sadly one of the operators passed away recently.

'We want to encourage more people to use the riverside so we are inviting tenders from companies who can make a visit to the area even more memorable.'