Picturesque boat tours along the River Great Ouse have restarted after being forced shut for weeks due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Liberty Belle Cruises welcomed their first customers on board on Monday, March 29 following the relaxation of the ‘stay at home’ restrictions in place.

Ely Standard: Boat master Bob Todd stood proudly with the Liberty Belle.Boat master Bob Todd stood proudly with the Liberty Belle. (Image: Facebook/Liberty Belle Cruises)

Boat master Bob Todd, who took over the 23-year-old company seven years ago, can now take a large family group aboard, or one group of six, as per Government rules.

Ely Standard: Just some of the views onboard Liberty Belle Cruises.Just some of the views onboard Liberty Belle Cruises. (Image: Facebook/Liberty Belle Cruises)

“And just like that... we’re back open for business. We've been busy already today, It's a been a long year but we're back in action,” said Mr Todd.

Ely Standard: Heading through Ely onboard Liberty Belle Cruises.Heading through Ely onboard Liberty Belle Cruises. (Image: Facebook/Liberty Belle Cruises)

Liberty Belle Cruises operate 30-minute river tours from their waterside base in Ely and were forced shut in April 2020 amid the global Covid-19 outbreak.

Ely Standard: Welcome onboard Liberty Belle Cruises.Welcome onboard Liberty Belle Cruises. (Image: Facebook/Liberty Belle Cruises)

Just days before opening, Mr Todd had polished all of the brass onboard the Liberty Belle, scrubbed the decks and completed his final checks.

Ely Standard: The Liberty Belle welcomes guests from Ely.The Liberty Belle welcomes guests from Ely. (Image: Facebook/Liberty Belle Cruises)

Ahead of reopening, Mr Todd said: “I don't think we will get a wink of sleep from all the excitement.

Ely Standard: Liberty Belle Cruises has reopened for customers.Liberty Belle Cruises has reopened for customers. (Image: Facebook/Liberty Belle Cruises)

“Can't wait to see you tomorrow. Bright and early at 11am for your first sailings.”

For more information, visit: www.facebook.com/LibertyBelleEly