WIRRAL Sailing Centre will introduce regular boat trips this summer to view Hilbre Islands and the Dee Estuary from the water.

The two-hour "Hilbre Discovery" trip will give visitors the opportunity to get close up to some of the area’s natural attractions, including an encounter with some of our Atlantic grey seals who often gather in the estuary. The estuary is also a haven for bird-life with large numbers of dunlin, knot, and oyster catchers creating a spectacle for seasoned "twitchers" but the tour offers something for everyone.

Councillor David Elderton, cabinet member for tourism and leisure, said: “This is a new venture for the sailing school and I hope it appeals to a wide range of visitors and local residents alike.

"The staff who are running the trips are all knowledgeable and passionate about the Dee Estuary and what it has to offer, so I can guarantee anyone sailing with them will find the trip thoroughly enjoyable and enlightening.”

Josef Hanik, Wirral’s senior Coastal Ranger, said: “I'm absolutely delighted the sailing centre is offering people the opportunity to see our wonderful Wirral coastline from a different perspective.

"Coastal Rangers have already had a preview of the tours on offer and have been able to give some advice on local wildlife to the very experienced boat operators so passengers can be reassured that they're going to get a wonderful experience from this new initiative."

The tours are open anyone aged eight and over. The price is £35 for adults and £25 for children. A family ticket – two adults and two children – costs £100. Groups of up to eight people can book the trip exclusively for £250.

For details call Wirral Sailing Centre on 0151 625 3292.