British Waterways has spent £23,730 on the balloons, bunting and stickers for the launch of the Canal and River Trust this summer.

A Freedom of Information request made by a member of the public revealed the cost of the purchase of almost 30,000 balloons, 48,750 meters of bunting and 25,000 stickers for launch events across the country that will take place later this year.

From now on any third party applying to host an event along the towpath will also receive balloons and stickers to help raise awareness new charity.

A British Waterways spokesman said: “An important element of the Trust’s strategy will be to grow public awareness of the importance of our historic canals and rivers to both people and wildlife, and to encourage towpath visitors to become active supporters either as volunteers or donors.

“To do this it is essential that we increase awareness of the Canal and River Trust’s name and what it stands for.”

In January the government announced a 15-year funding deal with the new charity worth £1bn including core grant of £39m per year, a one off payment of £25m and from 2015 it will get an additional £10m grant per year.

The Trust is due to launch later this summer and has already gained charitable status, appointed a board of trustees and once it gains final parliamentary approval will be responsible for 2,000 miles of waterways as well as the historic buildings, museums and archives previously managed by either British Waterways or the Waterways Trust.