Barnham man becomes captain of the world's latest cruise ship - 90,000-ton liner Queen Elizabeth

Captain Chris Wells (pictured) is the master of the new 90,000-ton liner, Queen Elizabeth.

She is being built at the Monfalcone yard in Trieste and should enter service in October 2010.

Captain Wells, 53, said he was privileged to be appointed.

"Bringing Queen Elizabeth up Southampton Water to her home port will be one of the proudest moments of my life," he said. "I very much hope the people of Southampton and beyond will take the ship to their hearts as they have all the Cunard Queens since Queen Mary was launched in 1934. Queen Elizabeth certainly follows in that tradition."

The ship will combine the best of Cunard's history as well as every modern luxury facility.

Cunard Line president and managing director Peter Shanks said: "It is a well-deserved honour for Capt Wells to be appointed master of Queen Elizabeth.

"He will be a fine leader for all of our colleagues working with him. His experience on both QE2 and Queen Mary 2 will ensure he continues the famous traditions of the Cunard Line."

Capt Wells was born and brought up in Bournemouth and educated at Poole Grammar School. His love of the sea developed when he learned to sail in Poole Harbour. He began a four-year cadetship with Shell Tankers at Warsash College near Southampton in 1978.

He served with Shell for 16 years as well as joining the Royal Naval Reserve in 1986. He is a Lieutenant Commander and undertakes two weeks' training with the reserve each year.

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