A FIVE-year-old boy who wears nappies because he has Down’s Syndrome was turned away from a children’s play area on a luxury cruise liner.

Ethan Harrison’s parents claim staff told them he could not join in with fun sessions because he wore pull-up nappies.

They say the snub left their boy upset and ruined the holiday — a £4,600 cruise around the Greek islands and Egypt with Thomson Holidays.

Now the company has said sorry and launched an investigation into their complaints.

Mum Hilary said: “I couldn’t believe it. Ethan is able to use the toilet but he does sometimes have accidents.

“If Ethan had an accident, it would not have affected the others because he had pull-ups on.

“Ethan heard what had been said and was so upset, he just wanted to go home. It was so hurtful what they did.”

Mrs Harrison and husband, Eric, had booked the cruise for themselves and children, Ethan and Harriet, aged 16. The holiday doubled up as a honeymoon and a birthday treat for Ethan.

Mrs Harrison, aged 45, of Pear Tree Drive, Farnworth, claims that when she tried to book Ethan into the children’s play area, known as Kidszone, she was told he would not be allowed to take part because he was wearing pull-ups.

After complaining about the policy to cruise attendants they agreed to open the room — for children aged three to 12 — especially for Ethan once everyone had left.

“But he wanted to play with the other children. How are they able to discriminate in this way?” said Mrs Harrison.

A spokesman for Thomson Cruises said: “Thomson Cruises holds the satisfaction of all passengers in very high regard and is sorry to hear of the Harrison family’s dissatisfaction with their recent cruise holiday.

“Thomson Cruises can assure Mrs Harrison that we will conduct a full and thorough investigation in to the matter.”

Disabled charities last night questioned the company’s actions.

Carol Boys, chief executive of the Down’s Syndrome Association, said: “It does seem a great deal of distress was caused to the family.

“It does not make sense and does sound like discrimination. The situation with the nappies could have been got around and arrangements made allowing the child to play with other children.”

Esther Foreman, campaigns manager at learning disability charity Mencap, said: “All children, including those with a learning disability, should have equal access to creche services.

“Mencap expects all companies to take the necessary steps to ensure that their services are accessible and inclusive to all children whatever their needs.”