The man who came up with the name 'Boaty McBoatface' for a new £200m polar research ship has apologised for his wacky suggestion. 

The eccentric moniker emerged as a favourite after Britain's Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) sought input in naming the new vessel, which will be a flagship of its scientific fleet.

The public were urged to find an 'inspirational name' that reflects the ship's mission, studying ice sheets, and celebrates Britain's long naval history.

Former BBC radio presenter James Hand said that while he stands by Boaty McBoatface as a 'brilliant name' for a ship, he has actually voted for RRS David Attenborough to be the new name.

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Moniker: Former BBC radio presenter James Hand proposed this ship  should be named 'Boaty McBoatface' by Britain's Natural Environment Research Council

Explaining his reasons for his suggestion, on BBC Radio Jersey on Monday morning, he said: 'I would say 90% of the entries at that point were really quite funny so I thought, I'll throw one into the ring and just see what happens.

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