TELEVISION weatherman Fred Talbot has taken over from the late Fred Dibnah as president of the Manchester Bolton and Bury Canal Society.

Mr Talbot, best known for leaping about on a floating map of the British Isles in Liverpool docks, has a long standing interest in waterways.

He is currently presenting a series "Locks and Quays" for Granada TV.

The weatherman has met members of the society many times and has featured in several videos about inland waterways.

Mr Talbot's appointment has been welcomed by Fred's widow, Sheila Dibnah.

"He is not unknown to Sheila and she has warmly approved our choice to succeed our Fred," said society chairman John Fletcher.