MINISTER for Disabled People Esther McVey joined Mencap volunteers for a special ferry trip across the Mersey.

The Wirral West MP met the group and heard first-hand some of the issues effecting disabled people with digital exclusion and transport in Merseyside.

Members and volunteers used their digital skills to plan the day out at the Merseytravel ICT suite in Mann Island, then boarded the Ferry for a trip to the U-Boat Story at Woodside.

The visit was organised by Merseytravel which has made Mencap Liverpool its corporate charity for 2013.

Ms McVey said: "It was really interesting to meet today with staff, volunteers and members from Mencap Liverpool to see first-hand their work in making local services more accessible.

"We are committed to supporting disabled people fulfil their potential - whether through the improvements we are making to our rail services or making sure our schemes are accessible to disabled people.

"We have also just launched a two-year campaign to harness the drive of the private sector to support more disabled people into work - because they should have the same choice of jobs, in every sector and at every level, as everyone else."

Mencap Liverpool career coach Jan Donnelly said: "It's been a fantastic day for everyone involved – we’ve brushed up on our digital skills as well as getting the chance to enjoy such a unique experience."

Merseytravel chairman Cllr Liam Robinson said: "As an organisation we support one specific charity each year, so this is a great opportunity to link our visitor attractions, our passion for learning and our support for Mencap Liverpool together to make a really special day".