A LEISURE company is cashing in on the North-East tourism boom this summer thanks to a renovation of cruise ship Island Scene.

North Shields-based Tyne Leisure Line is also busy with an intensive training programme through regional enterprise agency Entrust.

The 120-capacity ship has had a total refit, including a new upper viewing deck, disco area and upgraded fixtures and fittings.

Work has been completed in time to take advantage of the increase in river tour bookings generated by the Gateshead Millennium Bridge, Baltic and Quayside regeneration.

Directors David Fozard and John Webster then embarked upon a programme of management development and staff training for six full-time and 30 part-time staff with Entrust.

The programme was agreed between the directors and Entrust consultants to include an NVQ Level 4 in management for office manager Sue McNee, a customer care programme for staff, a contracts workshop and support in setting up the firms new Sage network system. A grant application was then submitted to North Tyneside Business Support for the refit.

It has resulted in Tyne Leisure Line enjoying its best year since the firm was set up in 1990, by Mr Fozard's father.

The Seven Bridges Cruise, from Newcastle Quayside to North Shields and back, is particularly popular. Both the Gateshead Millennium and Swing Bridges open specially for the cruises.

John and David have also seen an increase in companies booking corporate events and conferences on both Island Scene and the slightly larger Catherine.