NEVER mind tulips from Amsterdam, what about Dutch barges from Droitwich?

Well, perhaps not quite Droitwich, more like Rushock, a village just up the road.

But either way, the heart of Worcestershire would seem an unlikely place for the building of a vessel which, despite its name, is actually destined for the high seas.

The 70ft long replica barge has been built by Steve Lambon and Ian Hillsdon, who together make up Lambon Hull Ltd and work from a unit on Rushock Trading Estate.

The pair met while working for another boat builder and decided to set up in partnership six months ago specialising in Dutch barges.

Their latest commission has just been launched at Bristol, after being taken down by lorry, and will be sailed across to France before enjoying the summer island hopping around the Canaries.

"We built it for a retired person, who wants to live on it and just travel the islands," said Ian.

"It has six berths but can sleep eight two bathrooms, a lounge and galley. Dutch barges are normally around 55ft long, but this one had extra length to accommodate a quad bike and more storage."

Dutch barges are quite different from English narrow boats. At 12ft 6ins, they are twice as wide. The shape of their hulls make them ideal sea-going craft. They are more like small ships really," Ian added. "The name 'barge' is deceptive."

The price is a bit "Yo-ho-ho". This one cost about £180,000.