A HUGE model minesweeper is today back home thanks to a generous Atherton haulage company and the Journal's sister paper The Bolton Evening News.

The 29ft by 12ft wooden minesweeper -- complete with mock guns and a funnel -- was a present from the Cromer Royal Navel Association in Norfolk who told the Sea Cadets: "It's yours, if you come and get it."

And Atherton-based haulage company Austin Wilkinson and Son Ltd stepped in to transport the ship 209 miles home to Bolton on a lowloader on Wednesday.

Cadet commanding officer Brian Stubbs said: "Our boat has well and truly come in. We are over the moon with the help Austin Wilkinson and Son Ltd and the Bolton Evening News have given us in getting the minesweeper back to Bolton.

"It's really good news and look forward to parading it around Bolton to recruit youngsters to the Sea Cadets."

Assistant manager James Wilkinson added: 'People in the haulage company are very friendly and we were happy to help."

Bolton Sea Cadets will use the model minesweeper as a carnival float and attraction designed to promote their cause.