A WIRRAL-based charity which supports seafarers gave the High Sheriff of Merseyside a special access tour of a ship during a recent visit.

Peter Woods was given exclusive access to the inner workings of Liverpool Seafarers Centre after joining a 'ship visiting' exercise at North Dock.

During his visit, the High Sheriff boarded bulk carrier vessel MV Predator for a 'day in the life' experience working alongside the charity's team members.

The charity's chief executive John Wilson said: "We wanted to provide the High Sheriff of Merseyside with a visceral and memorable experience.

"The ship visiting exercise in particular showcased our seafarer welfare support programme in action with on-board visits central to our entire operation.

"This direct face-to-face communication is fundamental to our mission to provide ‘a lifeline’ to seafarers.

"The High Sheriff was able to witness how we deliver our care package from boosting moral to managing more sensitive issues."

Formed in 2008 as a joint initiative between the Catholic and Anglican Mission's in Liverpool, Liverpool Seafarers Centre, gives practical and emotional help to more than 50,000 seafarers passing through North West of England ports each year with bases in Liverpool Cruise Terminal, Crosby and Eastham.

Its chief executive John Wilson continued: "Our outreach service is focussed on delivering practical and emotional support.

"This includes support for ‘major life events’ such as a family bereavement, trauma, marriage, divorce or the birth of a child.

"We also act as a go-between and can talk to the ship management company if there are problems to ensure seafarers are being properly cared for.

"On a practical level we provide a variety of support including access to WIFI, money exchange and a physical base on land where crew can take a break from the vessel."

During the ship visit the High Sheriff drew attention to the union between nationalities with the crew members with a limited edition ‘One World’ football produced by Liverpool Biennial to commemorate the centenary of the First World War through football.

The special art commission by Mark Wallinger was inspired by the Christmas Truce matches played during the First World War.

Reflecting on his visit, Mr Woods said: "It was a fascinating experience joining Liverpool Seafarers Centre for the day and witnessing the valuable service they provide.

"The tour put into perspective the scale of the challenge at hand to deliver care to a large and often invisible workforce which toils on the oceans.

"The work of Liverpool Seafarers Centre and its volunteers is highly commendable and is vital in ensuring the Port of Liverpool maintains its reputation as a friendly and caring port."