Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott helped launch a new £50 million ferry in Harwich which is set to provide a huge boost to the port town.

Mr Prescott and his wife Pauline launched the Stena Britannica, which was built in Spain and owned by Swedish shipping giants Stena but registered in Harwich and crewed entirely by British sailors.

Mr Prescott, a former merchant seaman, said he was "delighted" to be in Harwich for the VIP quayside ceremony, but it didn't go without a hitch.

As Mrs Prescott tried to name the ship, attempts to break a bottle of champagne on the outside failed twice and even a third time when eventually Mr Prescott stepped up to throw the bottle at the hull of the ship it bounced off unbroken and plopped beneath the waves of the Harwich Haven.

Dan Sten Olssen, Chief Executive of Stena Group, stepped in and led Mrs Prescott to the side of the ship and opened a fresh bottle of bubbly with such gusto that it showered the pair in champers.

On board ship Mr Prescott briefly answered reporters' questions before heading off on a whistle-stop tour of the completely kitted out 30,500-tonne vessel.

Mr Prescott said: "I am delighted to be here and I think it is a great boost to British shipping. Thanks to the support of Stena Line and other companies, the total number of UK registered ships over 500 gross tonnes has risen by 19 per cent over the last year. I am confident that tonnage figures will continue to grow."

Harwich MP Ivan Henderson, who was also at the ceremony, said: "This a great boost for Harwich. The investment and commitment of Stena line to the Hook of Holland route will encourage a huge increase in freight traffic.

"It will help Harwich's economy by securing employment, and opens up exciting new markets."

The new ship will operate a night crossing service predominantly for road hauliers but is open to the public with 200 cabins and can take up to 400 passengers to Holland in six hours.

A bit breezy - deputy PM John Prescott struggles against the elements as he helps to launch the new ferry

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