The LB Hardfeet, based at Victoria Quays, can now stage celebrations, training sessions, corporate hospitality, heritage trips, parties and Father Christmas cruises.

The one-hour Christmas cruises on Saturdays and Sundays during December include mulled wine, tea/coffee, mince pies, squash and a present for the children.

The price is £9.75 per person and they run Saturdays and Sundays in December up to Christmas. Booking is essential.

Paul and Dorrie have expanded their business, A & G Passenger Boats Ltd, with the help of savings, a small tourism grant, a South Yorkshire Investment Fund loan, "a lot of hard work, and, as Disney would say, 'believing in dreams'," said Paul.

The bigger boat can accommodate up to 72 passengers and has disabled access.

"Yes, times are harder than they were this time last year," adds Dorrie. "But people are still going out, looking for a venue with a difference, and that's where we are often at the top of the list."

And the name of the boat? The LB is a teddy bear called Little Bear and Hardfeet is a teddy bear with hard feet, both over 40 years old and both belong to the directors.

Paul and Dorrie's five-year-old, Tally, has named the bar Ginger's Bar after her bear. One of their other boats, Tiny Purple, is also named after a teddy bear.

Tel 2786314 or go to www.sheffield boats.co.uk.