This is a picture of the 'Pride of Sefton' being lowered into the water at Birkenhead.

Construction of "The Pride" as she is fondly called, started at the British Shipbuilders' Center in Birkenhead in 1981.

Taking a relaxing trip along the local waterway has never been easier thanks to the narrowboat, Pride of Sefton.

The Pride of Sefton sails on the Leeds to Liverpool canal and is run by a registered charity called the Sefton Narrowboat Committee.

The boat, staffed entirely by volunteers, can accommodate up to twelve people on day trips or longer journeys. People from nursing homes and other community organisations are regular passengers, though everyone is welcome.

The boat is especially accommodating to disabled people with a ramp allowing wheelchairs easy access and raised decks so that chairbound passengers can look out of the windows when cruising. Steel rails are also fitted around the outside of the boat for safety.

Onboard there are two cabins which each have settees that convert into double beds and a sink. There is also a bathroom and a kitchen complete with a full-sized refrigerator.

Frank Moran, skipper of the Pride of Sefton, said: "When we are out on the water there is no schedule. Everything just gels together."

The trips take in much of the Merseyside stretch of the canal and Frank says there is very little trouble and not much vandalism. Between the industrial buildings there is a lot of beautiful scenery and lots of wildlife.