IT was all aboard for care home residents and staff as they stepped onto a fully accessible canal boat for a scenic cruise along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.

Twelve people, including Hourigan House residents, their family members and staff, went on a trip from Parbold to Burscough and back on a wide-beam canal boat that was purpose-built to provide safe experiences for people of all ages with disabilities and special needs.

The voyage on The Rose of Parbold included a fish and chips for lunch in Burscough.

Margaret Wearden, a resident of Hourigan House who went on the canal cruise with her daughter Shirley, said: “What a great day out.

“The barge cruise was both relaxing and interesting. I loved every minute of it.

“I really appreciated that my daughter was able to come along.”

Hazel Jackson, home manager at Hourigan House on Myrtle Avenue, Leigh, said: “It was lovely to see the residents enjoying the boat trip so much.

“Excursions like this, which we organise a few times a month, keep residents active and give them the chance to experience different scenery.”