The contractors charged with cutting up the stricken Riverdance ferry have been praised for their work in keeping the beach clear of oil.

Nearly all of the oil has now been removed from the ship by Hancock’s Contractors Ltd and sub-contractor PGC Demolition Ltd, and the firms have been congratulated for their work.

Hugh Shaw, the secretary of state's representative for the operation, said: “The progress that has been made during the operation has been excellent and we are delighted that the beach has been kept free of oil.

“The contractors have gone to a great effort on the environmental side of things and they deserve full credit for that.”

Work is set to start soon on the removal of the engine and the remaining fuel tanks from the vessel, which ran aground just south of Cleveleys on January 31.