A 65ft long boat weighing more than 30 tonnes has started a week-long journey from its base near Droitwich to London with the help of a 40-tonne crane.

The wide-beam cruising boat, owned by the New Boat Co, was hoisted from Hanbury Wharf onto a low-loader lorry yesterday afternoon.

It was being transferred to London where it will be one of the attractions at the Collins Stewart 2008 London Boat Show at the ExCeL Exhibition Centre.

Once at the show, the boat will join other inland craft from around the UK in a special floating exhibition area. Visitors will be able to see more inland boats on marine stand D005.

The inland craft area is just one part of a boat show which tens of thousands of visitors are expected to attend between Friday, January 11, and Sunday, January 20.

Chris Hill, managing director of the New Boat Co, said: "Watching our boat go skyward on the first stage of its journey to the London Boat Show will hopefully be the beginning of a very successful event for our company."

More information about the event, including ticket booking and directions can be found at www.london boatshow.com or by calling 0870 060 0246.