THE ever popular and much loved MV Balmoral has returned to her home waters of the Bristol Channel and will be in Penarth throughout the summer.

With the Balmoral returning for her main summer season, keeping alive the great traditions of coastal steamers of P&A Campbell and the famous White Funnel Fleet, we have teamed up with the MV Balmoral to offer our readers the chance to win tickets.

With the summer holidays here could there be a better time to give the children a great day out with a difference?

Balmoral sails almost daily throughout the summer holidays from Penarth Pier up until Monday September 4, before closing her season with her final last weekend on the Bristol Channel on Friday September 29 to Monday October 2.

There really are lots of exciting short voyages or longer adventure days out to choose from. There is even a special voyage of great interest to local readers when this coming Monday (July 31) Balmoral sails from Penarth at 10.30am to make her only voyage this summer up the River Usk to view Newport’s famous Transporter Bridge. Balmoral used to sail regularly from Newport but sadly now her old berth on the Usk has silted up and she can no longer tie up to load or unload passengers.

However there are many opportunities to sail up the wonderful River Avon, under Brunel’s famous suspension bridge to Bristol.

Sail over the channel to visit Victorian Clevedon, or stay on board to sail up the River Severn under the Severn Bridges and up the Wye towards Chepstow. Or enjoy a full day out sailing down channel to the Queen of North Devon resorts Ilfracombe, or sail out to the romantic and exciting island of Lundy.

Carrying up to 500 passengers, with an art deco lounge, restaurant and bar the Balmoral sells ice cream and even has her own Bottled Real Ale.

All you have to bring is the sun tan cream!

For full details of all cruises and information about the Balmoral go to whitefunnel.co.uk or call 0117 325 6200.

In association with the South Wales Argus the Balmoral offers readers the opportunity to win tickets for any of her forthcoming sailings.

First prize is a family ticket (two adults and two children) for the winner’s cruise of choice for any forthcoming summer sails.

Second prize is two adult tickets for any forthcoming trip.

To be in with a chance of winning, just answer the following question: How many passengers does the MV Balmoral carry?

Send your answer, name, address and contact details on a postcard to MV Balmoral Competition, Samantha Newman, South Wales Argus, Cardiff Road, Newport, NP20 3QN or you can enter by text. Start your message with BOAT, leave a space and then send your answer, name and address to 80360. Messages cost 50p plus your normal operator text charge. Service provided by Newsquest Media Group. Terms and Conditions at www.southwalesargus.co.uk/competitions.

Closing date: August 10, 2017.