operation for another two years at one of the South Shore beaches.

Fish Tale Tours will reopen for business at Church Bay in Southampton on May 1 after Parks Department officials approved their tender.

Glenn Johnson and his partner Alex Madeiros have run their snorkelling business at the bay since May, 1998.

That was the first time officials allowed any commercialisation at Church Bay and it caused anger among some residents who feared it would ruin the character of the unspoilt cove.

But the partners argued that they would be providing a service to visitors by renting out snorkelling gear and cleaning trash from the beach.

Mr. Johnson said: "We are very glad to say our application was approved, for two years this time, which is good because with a year's concession we never knew if we were going to make it the following year.

"We can't do much more than we have done in the past two years. We will be doing our snorkelling from May 1 to October 31.

"We haven't had any complaints from residents. We keep the beach very clean and run a good business.'' People interested in going snorkelling with Fish Tales Tours do not need to make a reservation. Two-hour sessions cost $10.