CHESTER'S famous River Dee boat operators were delighted to be part of the Liverpool Giants Parade that attracted 1.3m visitors over the weekend.

The event climaxed with an emotional farewell, when the Giants left the city, travelling through the docks and out onto the River Mersey.

Commercial Boat Services, part of the Chester Boat Company that has been operating commercial passenger boats such as Lady Diana and Mark Twain on the River Dee for over 100 years, transported the original Sea Odyssey Giant through the Liverpool Docks.

Using a Linkfloat Pontoon they took the Giant out through Canning Dock, while the Little Boy Giant floated away out of Salthouse Dock on a huge sandal.

The team worked in partnership with the Lilliputians, who operate the Giants on land, to deliver a spectacular departure for the huge crowds to enjoy.

Commercial Boat Services’ experience and understanding of complex structures made them the perfect choice for the job. They worked with the team at Royal De Luxe to ensure the specialist platform, the Linkfloat Pontoon, gained maximum impact whilst gently towed away for the final time using Commercial Boat Services’ mini tug boats.

Brian Clarke, MD of Commercial Boat Services, said: “I was very proud to be involved with this fantastic event – as you can imagine, it’s something we’ve never done before! It’s been an absolute pleasure working with the French creators, Royal Deluxe and the team in Liverpool.”

He added: “The whole team worked very hard to ensure the safe delivery of the Giants and it all came together in one of the best finales to any event I’ve ever seen. It’s something that none of us – along with the people of Liverpool – will ever forget.”

During the four-day performance spectators saw the Giant wake up on New Brighton beach after a shipwreck before meeting up with the Little Boy Giant and Xolo in Liverpool city centre.

In a statement Wirral Council said: "What a spectacular few days showing the absolute best of our region!

"Truly world class show, amazing crowds and some outstanding work behind the scenes to make it all happen smoothly."

Before the Giants' visit founder and creative director of Royal de Luxe Jean-Luc Courcoult revealed that it would be their last performance as the company is now planning a new show involving a silverback gorilla.

The Giants Spectacular has also been hailed the 'biggest' and 'most successful' event in Liverpool's history.

Merseyside Police has also thanked the public for helping to make the Giants weekend event a huge success.

Superintendent Mark Morgan said: "The ‘Liverpool’s Dream’ Giants event has, as expected and planned for, proved extremely popular with people from Merseyside and beyond.

"From the Little Boy Giant sleeping in St George’s Hall on Thursday to the grand finale today featuring all four giants, the crowds have flocked to see every part of the show in New Brighton and Liverpool.

"As was the case for the Giants previous visits to Merseyside, the behaviour of the public has been excellent throughout the event and we would like to thank them for their co-operation and patience, which has enabled visitors to enjoy the day and helped to create a celebratory and good-natured atmosphere for all.

"I am pleased to say there were no arrests despite the many thousands of visitors that came and they were able to enjoy the entertainment on offer safely and without incident.

"While around 40 children were reported missing briefly during the event, we were able to help reunite them all with their parents - like 10-year-old Leighton and mum Janet.

"Officers, stewards and event organisers have worked hard to ensure all those attending remained safe.

"A lot of work has gone on behind the scenes to make this event the success it has been. As well as thanking our own officers and staff, I would like to acknowledge the contribution made by Liverpool City Council and Culture Liverpool, Wirral Council, Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service, British Transport Police, North West Ambulance Service, St John Ambulance, event design company, numerous security providers, Merseytravel and various transport/management operators.

"I’ve been genuinely impressed by the team ethos of all those involved, which ensured that the event ran smoothly and safely.

"The event itself is a real showcase for the city and I’m delighted that thousands of people were able to come into Liverpool and New Brighton this weekend to enjoy this spectacular show and Merseyside itself."