A 24-hour canal boat marathon will return to the region’s waterways this weekend – seven years after the event was ditched.

Competitors from as far afield as France will be taking part in the challenge, in which boat owners get points for taking in locks, navigating obscure parts of the canal system and solving puzzles. The challenge was last held in 2002, and now Walsall man Roy Kenn is bringing it back to life with the help of Graham Whorton, chairman of Birmingham Canal Navigation Society (BCNS).

The marathon has already attracted more than 40 competitors with boats from historic working vessels to brand new models taking to the waters on Saturday.

Mr Kenn, aged 74, said: “People are already making their way to the Black Country from all over the country via the canals to take part. We even have someone coming from France. We want plenty of spectators to come and line the canalside for the end of the challenge at the Walsall town arm on Sunday and make it an occasion to remember.

“It is all about encouraging more people to use the underused parts of the canals, particularly around the Great Wyrley and Essington canals.”

Helen and Chris Davey ran the marathon for 10 years, but it ended in 2002.

It is is open to everyone with a boat licensed for use on British Waterways canals. Boats may start at any point on the Birmingham Canal Society network which takes in Tamworth, Wolverhampton, Dudley and Walsall, but should finish at Walsall Town Arm, next to The New Art Gallery, Gallery Square, from noon onwards on Sunday.

Participants may navigate for as long as they like up to a maximum of 24 hours and points are scored for amount of miles travelled, lock gates completed and treasure trail questions answered along the way.