TV's favourite barmaid, Gina Ward, from the Aidensfield Arms, better known as actress Tricia Penrose, was one of the first to step aboard Britain's latest cruise ship, Ocean Village Two after its arrival in Southampton.

The Heartbeat star, together with her family, are regular passengers on the orginal Ocean Village ship but this was the first time Tricia had a chance to look round the cruise company's second ship.

"We've been on seven cruises, mostly in the Mediterranean, with Ocean Village but earlier this year we flew out to the Caribbean where we joined the ship in Barbados,'' said Tricia.

"I'm not one for dressing-up or want formality while I'm on holiday so for me a cruise on Ocean Village, which is so laid back and casual is perfect for me.'' Tricia has been in the hit television show set in the 1960s for 15 years now but Heartbeat fans will only have to wait until May for the next series in the long-running programme.

Recently Tricia started designing her own range of jewellery which is being sold on board Ocean Village Two and straight after her visit to Southampton the actress was heading for Dubai in the Middle East to promote her necklaces, bracelets and ear-rings.

Ocean Village Two will be officially named tomorrow by supermodel, Jodie Kidd and her sister, Jemma Kidd, the celebrity make-up artist.

The following day the ship will leave on her maiden voyage from Southampton to Palma, Majorca where she will be based for the summer season.