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The man who suggested calling a polar research ship being built on the Mersey “Boaty McBoatface” said he was taken aback by the social media reaction - but stands by the name.

The Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) launched a campaign for people to suggest and vote on names for the £200m vessel, now being built at Birkenhead’s Cammell Laird shipyard.

NERC asked for the names suggested to be inspirational, such as a local historical figure, or a famous polar explorer or scientist.

But James Hand, a former BBC presenter turned school communications manager, suggested RBS (Royal Research Ship) Boaty McBoatface, describing it as “an absolutely brilliant name”.

The name gained almost 30,000 votes in the online competition and crashed the site.

Although Mr Hand posted a Tweet to say he was “terribly sorry” about the fuss he later said that his apology “was in the most British sense” and that he stood by it being a brilliant name.

Other ideas suggested by members of the public included RRS David Attenborough, RRS Usain Boat, RRS Boat, and RRS Pingu.

The nomination RRS Henry Worsley, after the explorer who died trying to make the first unassisted solo crossing of the Antarctic in January, was the second most popular.

The Government-funded ship will bring a major boost to the ship building trade in the North West after manufacturers Cammell Laird beat off competition from companies in Europe and Far East to win the contract.

The project is also expected to secure around 400 jobs and create 60 apprenticeships.

The polar explorer is 128 metres long and is due to be in operation in the Arctic and Antarctic from 2019. It will carry up to 90 scientists and support staff.

Entrants can suggest as many names as they wish, with a short explanation why, at http://nameourship.nerc.ac.uk by April 16 this year and NERC will make the decision.