Roll up for the great Stanley Park boating give-away...

For decades, the 1960s wooden boats at the beauty spot have kept families across the Fylde coast and beyond entertained.

But 18 months ago the vessels were taken out of service, with the fleet replaced by a series of modern electric boats.

But rather than let the motorboats go to waste in storage, Hagop Tchobanian, managing director of Blackpool Parks Ltd, which manages the boating lake, has pledged to put them to a better use – by giving them away to Fylde coast residents.

Mr Tchobanian, 51, said he hoped the vessels could be used as planters, in school playgrounds or part of art projects.

He added: “I am not asking for anything for them – but ideally I would like whoever takes them to make a donation to Blackpool RNLI. Many people have used the boats when they were little and if they want to use them as a plant pot or in a children’s play area they can do.

“I wanted to do something for the local community.”

Blackpool Parks Ltd invested in 44 boats in 2012 to replace the previous vessels.

These included Union Jack-decorated rowing boats and swan paddle boats.

Between 40 and 45 vessels are currently in storage at Stanley Park, with Mr Tchobanian, who has managed the motorboats for more than eight years, adding he hoped all vessels would remain in the FY postcode and act as focal points across the area.

He added: “The first 40 people to ring up get a boat – but there is a catch – they have to pick up the boats themselves!

“I just want to give something back to the community and hope they can be used in some way.”

Anyone interested in taking a boat can contact Michael Slattery at the boating lake on 07834 589275