AN abandoned boat has been given a new purpose thanks to a Somerset woman.

Sedgemoor District Council (SDC) launched an appeal to reunite the boat with its owner after it was recovered from Stert Island by Burnham RNLI.

It was thought that the boat was originally on the River Brue before floating to Stert Island.

Weeks after the council launched an appeal for the owners of the boat to come forward SDC said a woman asked if she could use it as a planter so she could create a unique flower display for residents to enjoy.

A spokesman for Sedgemoor District Council (SDC), said: “A local resident has come forward to ask if she could have the boat to use as a planter for a blooming lovely display; an example of up-cycling at its best.

“SDC is pleased that the boat has found a new owner, otherwise it would have been scrapped.”