A five-year-old boy from north-east Belfast has been given the title Honorary Junior Captain by ferry operator Stena Line.

Frank, whose surname was not released, was invited aboard one of the company's Superfast vessels travelling between Northern Ireland and Scotland. He met Senior Master David Howie and inspected the bridge, and was presented with binoculars, a captain's hat and an official name badge. Stena Line also provided a family trip on any of its Irish Sea routes.

The boy's father, Michael, said his son has a clear view of Belfast Lough from their home and watches ferries arrive and depart every day. He is particularly interested in the Stena Connecta and Stena Futura vessels, and has constructed his own ferry model from cardboard.

Orla Noonan, Stena Line's Irish Sea travel commercial manager, said the inquiry from Michael stood out. The company decided to offer the bridge tour and honorary title after reading about the boy's enthusiasm.

Frank gave Captain Howie a drawing he had made of a Stena Line ship during the visit.

Stena Line highlighted the appointment as part of its promotion of family-friendly travel options on its Cairnryan route this summer, including interactive features aimed at children.