Got £1,200 to spare? Then the lighthouse authority has come up with a novel way for you to part with it.

For the first time, Trinity House is allowing the public on board its flagship vessel the Patricia for a seven-day look into life at sea.

Costing £180 per night, the seven-day break is aimed at shipping enthusiasts and will involve watching the Patricia in action as she checks on lighthouses and buoys.

The ship's accommodation has previously been used by the Duke of Edinburgh and the Patricia used to escort the Royal yacht Britannia.

Trinity House is hoping that several Harwich businesses will also benefit as they will be marketing the town as well as the trips.

The Pier Hotel at Harwich is already involved, and historical packs with information on the town will also be sent out to potential clients.

Paul Howe, of Trinity House, said: "It's not like a cruise ship where tomorrow you are in Ramsgate or the next day you are in Southampton.

"They may well be called to a casualty if a light goes out on a buoy or a light vessel."

Published Thursday, May 1, 2003

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