A Norfolk boatbuilder has secured a £3million contract to design and build three pilot boats to operate in UK waters.

Goodchild Marine, based in Burgh Castle, won the long-term contract from Briggs Marine to construct the ORC pilot vessels.

The boats will be based in Liverpool to transport maritime pilots to and from ships sailing in and out of the port.

The first of the three 17-metre boats, Kittiwake, is already in use having finished her sea trials in May. Razorbill, the second, has recently been completed and is due to leave Goodchild Marine in the next few days. The final boat is currently under construction to be ready in January.

Each boat has been built using an original design by French architects Pantocarene, which Goodchild Marine has adapted for the UK market, taking into consideration the different operation and recovery rules.