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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Zoe Delaney

Peter Kay says he's 'doing great' as he makes a rare public appearance

Peter Kay told fans he was doing "great" on Saturday, as he made a rare public appearance near his beloved hometown in aid of a good cause.

The comedy legend, 48, was the guest of honour as he helped launch a new wheelchair-accessible 'wheelyboat' near Bolton - the comic's birth place.

Peter cracked a few jokes with delighted fans as he officially launched the boat that will offer disabled adults and children the opportunity to enjoy water-based sports and activities at The Anderton Centre for the first time.

Peter has taken a step back from the spotlight over recent years, after "unforeseen family circumstances" saw him forced to cancel his nationwide tour in 2017.

Peter Kay launched the Coulam Wheelyboat V17, a purpose-built fully wheelchair accessible powerboat on Saturday (PA)

The Phoenix Nights co-creator returned to the stage earlier this month to begin his first tour in 11 years, performing his Dance For Life show at Manchester Central Convention Complex on Good Friday.

Speaking on Saturday, the stand-up comedian revealed how he and his three children had enjoyed outdoor activities at The Anderton Centre, near Chorley, where the boat was launched on the Lower Rivington Reservoir.

After being introduced as a guest of honour at the launch, Peter was presented with a gift, much to the amusement of the crowd - a T-shirt emblazoned on the back with the words 'Honorary Instructor'.

The comedian got his very own special shirt (PA)

"It’s very lovely to be here today, I’m honoured to be asked to launch this fantastic wheelyboat, which I hope gives a lot of people a lot of pleasure and happiness out on the water," the dad-of-three said on Saturday.

"The Anderton Centre is a fantastic place and I love coming here, and the people are really nice and when it’s a nice day and there’s an heatwave you think you’re in the south of France."

The comic alongside Sir Lindsay Hoyle (PA)

As he stepped down to cut the ribbon on the boat, he added: "I’m just going to get on with cutting it with the scissors… I did think, I might be smashing a bottle against it, but apparently in the modern world that is not allowed for re-cycling.

"I’ve never launched anything in my life, apart from one of my children – no, only kidding.

"So I declare, this fantastic wonderful wheelyboat officially – don’t all run and jump on – open."

Peter gave attendees a wave as he launched the accessible powerboat (PA)

Throughout the launch, Peter shook hands and spoke with local Labour MP Speaker of the House of Commons Sir Lindsay Hoyle and also gave fans an update when asked how he was doing.

"I’m great thank you very much, nice to be doing something, nice to be doing this," the Car Share creator stated during the event on Saturday.

The Coulam Wheelyboat V17 – a purpose-built fully wheelchair-accessible powerboat is the first for public use in Lancashire.

Peter speaking to guests on Saturday (PA)

Lancashire Outdoor Activities Initiative (LOAI) and national charity The Wheelyboat Trust joined forces to fund, build and provide the new vessel.

Andy Beadsley, director of The Wheelyboat Trust said: "Wheelyboats are a lifeline for anyone with a disability, as each boat removes the barriers and enables disabled people to participate alongside and on equal terms with their able-bodied counterparts.

"All too often people with disabilities are restricted in the activities they can take part in due to lack of accessible facilities and equipment, which is something we are striving to change."

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