From fisheries protection to Boat Show star!

A fisheries protection boat is set for a starring role at this year's Jersey Boat Show.

HMS Mersey, a 79m River Class Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV), will be open to the public throughout the three days of the show.

The 1,677-tonne ship was built in Woolston Docks, Southampton and is based at HM Naval Base Portsmouth. She's deployed primarily for fisheries protection, but can be easily adapted for other duties.

The ship has a large working cargo deck that allows her to be equipped with specific jobs like disaster relief, anti-pollution, fire fighting, rescue work or the interception of other vessels. She also has capacity to embark a section of fleet protection Royal Marines if required.

Last year's Boat Show attracted an estimated 20,000 visitors. There were dozens of exhibitors and more than 80 boats were on display. The organisers are hoping to build on that for this year's event which will be staged over the May Bank Holiday.