WORKERS at an Altham clothing firm have helped launch a £200million cruise ship.

Simon Jersey designed uniforms for the 800-strong crew on P&O's new Aurora, which was christened by the Princess Royal at a ceremony in Southampton.

The firm's chairman and founder Simon Moyle was on board the 886ft vessel for the launch party, along with 2,500 other guests.

Simon Jersey has had the contract with P&O for their other three cruise liners since 1994 and the Aurora deal is worth about £200,000.

The Aurora has five lounges, 12 bars, five restaurants, a West End-style theatre, a concert hall/cinema and shops, as well as special areas for young children and teenagers.

Other facilities include three swimming pools, a health and beauty centre and a golf simulator, which enables passengers to 'play' some of the world's finest courses.

The vessel also has a specially-commissioned art and sculpture collection with 3,600 works, most of them by British artists.

During her maiden season, the Aurora will sail on 18 cruises to the Mediterranean, Norwegian fjords, the Baltic, the Atlantic and the Caribbean.

Her first world cruise -- a 90-night trip -- will start from Southampton in January 2001.

A penthouse suite on this cruise will cost £48,445 per person.