Pint-sized tot Megan Burnley swapped her usual tipple of milk for a bottle of Champagne yesterday - to launch a 55-foot canal barge named in her honour.

The 21-month-old toddler christened the narrow boat 'Megan' at her grandparents' boatyard in Silsden, before setting it off on its maiden voyage.

The barge was built by Richard and Barbara Bradburn.

It is the second vessel they have built for their company, Silsden Boats, which hires out boats to holidaymakers on the Leeds-Liverpool canal. The first was named Dan's Drum, after Megan's older brother.

Richard and Barbara, both 57, took over Silsden Boats four years ago after taking early retirement. With support from Barclays Bank, they now operate 15 boats, five of which they own themselves.

Richard says: "Most toddlers play with toy boats in the bath, but not many have a magnificent boat like this named after them. We intend calling the next two boats after our other grandchildren, but we have a problem with the last one whose name is Aoife Rosie. Her brother is called Sam."

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