Son's learning the ropes from ferry skipper dad

STEPHEN Beck and his son Stephen Beck Jr are the first father and son due to work together on the Shields Ferry, helping passengers to get across the River Tyne.

- OWEN YOUNGER

Stephen Jr has joined the Ferry as a Second Mate, and is currently training to skipper the vessels like his dad, who has been doing that job for 30 years.

Stephen Sr is passing on his three decades of knowledge and experience, so that his son is already adept at driving the iconic local boats, which are operated by Nexus.

The elder Beck, 61, of Low Fell, said: "I’m proud to have my son Stephen following in my footsteps. It’s great to have him there at work with me on the River Tyne.

"The ferries must be in the blood, because he really has the knack of driving them, and he’s only been in training for three months. I've been showing him the ropes, as I do with all our new recruits, and it does seem like he’s got this natural ability for the job.