The Manx Minister for Infrastructure said it was 'exciting times' for the Isle of Man Steam Packet.

In addition to the new ferry landing stage being built in Liverpool for the Steam Packet, Heysham is also due a refurbishment over the next two or three years.

The Minister Ray Harmer had been speaking on Manx Radio, following Friday's ground-breaking ceremony for the new facility on Merseyside.

That's due to be completed by summer next year, at a cost of £38 million.

Mr Harmer says the work at Heysham is in the pipeline. To listen to the Minister click here for a link to a podcast.