A charity which gives the disabled and elderly a chance to cruise on the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads has launched its 2014 season.

This is the 22nd year that Waveney Stardust has been operating to give passengers full and half day trips on both the northern and southern rivers of the Broads.

Waveney Stardust Trust Limited Chairman Bernard Welland-Jones said: 'This is an important year for us and we are hoping to be kept busy through the full season which runs until the end of November.

'The early signs are good and we have in the region of 100 bookings already but we would be happy to have at least 300 bookings,' he said.

Since 2011 the original Waveney Stardust has been joined by its sister cruiser Waveney Stardust II.

Both cruisers are fully maintained and achieve all the certification required by law and Broads regulations.

The cruisers are designed for people in wheelchairs and are suitable for people with walking difficulties.

There are no steps to negotiate and there is a sturdy hydraulic platform at the stern of both cruisers with gently sloping ramps to be used when necessary.

Mayor of Beccles, Caroline Topping, performed the official launch ceremony at Beccles Quay yesterday.

'This is a wonderful charity which gives people the opportunity of enjoying being out on our superb waterways who would otherwise be unable to do so.

'I would like to wish everyone connected with Waveney Stardust including the crew, volunteers and passengers, the very best for 2014.'

The two cruisers set out on various trips throughout the season from Beccles, Oulton Broad, Norwich, Stalham and Brundall.

All cruises have to be pre-booked and are suitable for up to 12 passengers.

Waveney Stardust cruisers have carried more than 60,000 passengers and travelled over 75,000 miles on the Broadland waterways.

The charity is run entirely by volunteers.

For more information about booking a cruise or becoming a volunteer telephone 07817 920502 or visit www.waveneystardust.co.uk

Have you got memories of travelling the Broads on Waveney Stardust. Email david.lennard@archant.co.uk