IT HAS been a maritime epic to match many more famous Liverpool seafaring sagas.

After battling huge odds, the Mersey Bar lightship Planet is now open to the public, thanks to the persistence of owner Alan Roberts.

Arguably the most famous Liverpool ship afloat, Planet now lives up to the legend “Bar” emblazoned on her hull.

The 1960-built lightvessel is licensed to serve alcohol, beverages and cakes as the Planet Cafe-Museum-Bar.

Moored for the last three years in Canning Dock East, opposite Liverpool One, this little red ship, with her tall light tower, has become a focus for tourists and locals passing along The Strand expressway.

Yet until recently her future was far from secure as a historic waterfront fixture.

Alan Roberts bought the partly-restored Planet from Manchester music producer Gary McClarnan for around £139,000.

He has since spent a further £60,000 on the ship’s conversion into public use.

However, Alan, who is a metal and paint specialist, suffered severe cash-flow problems in spite of selling his taxi fleet to bank-roll the costly restoration.