A FORMER polymer chemist from St Helens who runs a canal boat company has just had his second vessel christened at Wigan Pier by Wigan's mayoral couple.

Former Sutton Academy student Steve Carrington, 46, co-director of Kittiwake Canal Cruises, worked for St Helens-based Glassbond until 2012, when he left to follow his dream.

The new vessel is a disabled access wide beam canal barge with room for up to 12 people with disabilities.

Steve said: "This is the only vessel in the north west that can take 12 people with disabilities. It's important to have access, the waterway is therapeutic."

Having spent regular childhood holidays on canal barges where he developed a passion for the canals, Steve says he decided to take a leap of faith in August 2012.

He added: "It's been going really well so far, it's a real family affair, and I'm delighted that the new boat will go into full service this July or August."

Steve now lives in Ashton-in-Makerfield with wife and co-director Sandi and their three children Elle-Mercedes, Jess and Tom.

Before the boat - named Elleswake - was christened on Tuesday (May 23) began, guests held a minute's silence in memory of the victims of the Manchester bombing.

Then, after some official words, confetti and champagne were thrown into the air and across the bow of the boat and the mayor and mayoress were raised up on the boat's disabled access lift to officially cut the red ribbon.

Elle-Mercedes, 21, who is a tier II captain, said: "We have people of all ages booking parties, social, educational and corporate events with us all year round and having wheelchair users within our own family, we realised the importance of offering this type of service to enable individuals and groups to experience the relaxed atmosphere and different perspective gained from being on a canal barge cruise."

For information about Kittiwake contact 01942 836885, 07850 562043 or email bookings@kittywake.co.uk.